Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of PGS/PCL Nanocomposite Films: Effect of Organo-Modified Montmorillonite

Abstract

Microwave-assisted synthesis of polyglycerolsebacate (PGS) - polycaprolactone (PCL) with nanoclay composite films were fabricated in this study. PGS produced via microwave irradiation technique was blended withorgano-modified montmorillonite (O-MMT) and PCL, and cast using thermally induced phase separation technique (TIPS) to produce nanocomposite films. The fabricated films underwent different qualitative characterization to identify its morphology, porosity,wettabilityandmechanical strength. FTIR results showed changes in the band peaks signifying the interaction between PCL, O-MMT and PGS. SEM images of the films displayed filamentous and non-uniform pores present on the films, which became more visible upon the addition of O-MMT and PGS.Also, the films showed improved tensile strength and elongation upon addition of PGS, but on an optimum O-MMT amount. Furthermore, the pore size of films increased upon addition of PGS, which confirmed the effect of its hydrophilic in nature. Thiswas correlated to the enhanced wettability of the films produced and the formation of asymmetric surface structure.