Preparation and Characterization of Poly(lactic acid)/Difatty Acyl Urea/Modified Clay Nanocomposite

Abstract

In this study, difatty acyl urea (DFAU), synthesized from palm oil, and natural clay (sodium montmorillonite) were used to prepare organoclay (OMMT). The clay modification was carried out by stirring the clay particles in an aqueous solution of DFAU at which the clay layer thickness increased from 1.25 to 2.82. This OMMT was then used for nanocomposite production to improve the property balance of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) by solution casting process. The nanocomposite was characterized using various apparatuses. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results confirmed the production of nanocomposite. PLA modified clay nanocomposite shows higher thermal stability and significant improvement of mechanical properties in comparison with pure PLA. The use of DFAU as a modifier will reduce the dependence on petroleum-based surfactant. In addition to its applications such as films and textile fibers, this nanocomposite represents a good candidate to produce disposable packaging because they have good mechanical, thermal properties, fabricability and processability.