PLA/clay nanocomposites: Effects of preparation method on morphology and mechanical properties

Polylactic acid (PLA) is linear aliphatic thermoplastic polyester produced from renewable natural resources [1]. The high melting temperature, good processability and mechanicalproperties of PLA along with its biodegradability and biocompatibility makes it a preferred candidate for biomedicaland pharmaceutical applications such as prosthetic implants, controlled release systems and three dimensional scaffolds. The performance of PLA can be enhanced by theincorporation of nano-sized inorganic particles. Among the nano-sized inorganic particles that are added to the polymermatrix montmorillonite clay are of particular interest due to their abundance, low cost and their geometrical features. Someattempts have been made by researchers in order to improve various properties of poly (lactic acid) through formation of PLA/organophilic clay nanocomposites [1-3]. The mainobjectives of this study was to investigate the effect of preparation method on the mechanical properties and morphology of the solution cast and melt-blended poly (Lactic acid)/organoclay nanocomposite films