A comparative analysis was performed on poly(lactic acid)(PLA),poly(caprolactone)(PCL),basalt fiber(BF)composites produced using two distinct approaches:direct blending and masterbatching.The limitations of PLA-BF com...A comparative analysis was performed on poly(lactic acid)(PLA),poly(caprolactone)(PCL),basalt fiber(BF)composites produced using two distinct approaches:direct blending and masterbatching.The limitations of PLA-BF composites with regard to distribution and adhesion are well-documented,as are chemical treatment methods(addition of compatibilisers,surface treatments,silanization).This work aimed to study an industrially relevant potential solution of utilising a PCL-BF masterbatch,prepared as a 50/50 wt.%blend using planetary roller extrusion(PEX)to both improve the distribution and homogeneity of the fibers as well as provide a secondary adhesion site to facilitate improved mechanical properties of the final PLA-PCL-BF composite.The resultant materials were injection moulded to prepare ISO standard test specimens and tested on the basis of their physical properties via tensile testing,impact strength testing,flexural analysis,Fourier transforminfrared spectroscopy and water absorption capability.The results displayed that the incorporation of PCL and BF led to an increase in ductility of the composite materials,allowing for improvements in the inherent brittleness of virgin PLA.Major increases in the impact strength were achieved with the utilisation of a 25% PCL/BF masterbatch,allowing for a greater than 50%increase.As an overall observation,the use of a masterbatching process,opposed to direct blending of the constituent materials allows for a greater consistency of composite to be achieved at the expense of increased gains.展开更多
Melt blending of biodegradable polyesters such as poly(lactic acid)(PLA)and poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate)(PBAT)with a compatibilizer and natural filler offers a chance to develop biodegradable biocomposites ...Melt blending of biodegradable polyesters such as poly(lactic acid)(PLA)and poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate)(PBAT)with a compatibilizer and natural filler offers a chance to develop biodegradable biocomposites with improved performance.In this study,we examined how PLA/PBAT blends behave during ultimate biodegradation(mineralization),both with and without compatibilizer and algae as a reinforcement,under controlled composting conditions using carbon dioxide(CO_(2))respirometry techniques.Throughout the biodegradation process,the disintegration behaviour,thermal,chemical,and morphological properties of test samples before and after biodegradation were analyzed using FTIR,TGA,DSC,and SEM techniques.The results from CO_(2)biodegradation showed that PLA/PBAT blend exhibits a higher rate of biodegradation compared to neat PLA and PBAT.The addition of algae to a compatibilized PLA/PBAT blend showed an enhanced biodegradation rate due to hydrolytic cleavage and microbial assimilation.This was further supported by the disintegration test,where algae-reinforced composites showed fragmentation within 30 days.FTIR,TGA and SEM analysis revealed the structural changes that occurred during biodegradation,highlighting the role of algae in affecting the thermal stability and surface morphology.After the compost biodegradation step,eco-toxicity seed germination was conducted on the test samples.Plant seed germination test results confirmed that all test samples achieved maximumgermination.This indicates there were no toxic residues,suggesting that the degraded materials are environmentally safe.Overall,this study contributes to the understanding of biodegradation mechanisms and the ecological impact of bio-based polymer composites as eco-friendly materials and products.展开更多
The continuous improvement in patient care and recovery is driving the development of innovative materials for medical applications.Medical sutures,essential for securing implants and closing deep wounds,have evolved ...The continuous improvement in patient care and recovery is driving the development of innovative materials for medical applications.Medical sutures,essential for securing implants and closing deep wounds,have evolved to incorporate smart materials capable of responding to various stimuli.This study explores the potential of thermoresponsive sutures,made from shape memory materials,that contract upon heating to bring loose stitches closer together,promoting optimal wound closure.We developed nanocomposites based on a blend of poly(lactic acid)(PLA)and thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU)—biopolymers that inherently exhibit shape memory—enhanced with carbon nanotubes(CNT)and graphene nanoplatelets(GN)to improve mechanical performance.PLA/TPU(50/50)nanocomposites were prepared with 1 and 2 wt%GN,as well as hybrid formulations combining 1 wt%CNT with 1 or 2 wt%GN,using a twin-screw extrusion process to form filaments.These filaments were characterized through differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),field emission gun scanning electron microscopy(FEG-SEM),tensile testing,and shape memory assessments.While the PLA/TPU blend is immiscible,TPU enhances the crystallinity(X_(c))of the PLA phase,further increased by the addition of CNT and GN.FEG-SEM images indicate CNTs primarily in the PLA phase and GN in the TPU phase.PLA/TPU with 1 or 2 wt%GN showed the highest potential for suture applications,with a high elastic modulus(~1000 MPa),significant strain at break(~10%),and effective shape recovery(~20%at 55℃ for 30 min).These findings suggest that these nanocomposites can enhance suture performance with controlled shape recovery that is suitable for medical use.展开更多
文摘A comparative analysis was performed on poly(lactic acid)(PLA),poly(caprolactone)(PCL),basalt fiber(BF)composites produced using two distinct approaches:direct blending and masterbatching.The limitations of PLA-BF composites with regard to distribution and adhesion are well-documented,as are chemical treatment methods(addition of compatibilisers,surface treatments,silanization).This work aimed to study an industrially relevant potential solution of utilising a PCL-BF masterbatch,prepared as a 50/50 wt.%blend using planetary roller extrusion(PEX)to both improve the distribution and homogeneity of the fibers as well as provide a secondary adhesion site to facilitate improved mechanical properties of the final PLA-PCL-BF composite.The resultant materials were injection moulded to prepare ISO standard test specimens and tested on the basis of their physical properties via tensile testing,impact strength testing,flexural analysis,Fourier transforminfrared spectroscopy and water absorption capability.The results displayed that the incorporation of PCL and BF led to an increase in ductility of the composite materials,allowing for improvements in the inherent brittleness of virgin PLA.Major increases in the impact strength were achieved with the utilisation of a 25% PCL/BF masterbatch,allowing for a greater than 50%increase.As an overall observation,the use of a masterbatching process,opposed to direct blending of the constituent materials allows for a greater consistency of composite to be achieved at the expense of increased gains.
文摘Melt blending of biodegradable polyesters such as poly(lactic acid)(PLA)and poly(butylene adipate co-terephthalate)(PBAT)with a compatibilizer and natural filler offers a chance to develop biodegradable biocomposites with improved performance.In this study,we examined how PLA/PBAT blends behave during ultimate biodegradation(mineralization),both with and without compatibilizer and algae as a reinforcement,under controlled composting conditions using carbon dioxide(CO_(2))respirometry techniques.Throughout the biodegradation process,the disintegration behaviour,thermal,chemical,and morphological properties of test samples before and after biodegradation were analyzed using FTIR,TGA,DSC,and SEM techniques.The results from CO_(2)biodegradation showed that PLA/PBAT blend exhibits a higher rate of biodegradation compared to neat PLA and PBAT.The addition of algae to a compatibilized PLA/PBAT blend showed an enhanced biodegradation rate due to hydrolytic cleavage and microbial assimilation.This was further supported by the disintegration test,where algae-reinforced composites showed fragmentation within 30 days.FTIR,TGA and SEM analysis revealed the structural changes that occurred during biodegradation,highlighting the role of algae in affecting the thermal stability and surface morphology.After the compost biodegradation step,eco-toxicity seed germination was conducted on the test samples.Plant seed germination test results confirmed that all test samples achieved maximumgermination.This indicates there were no toxic residues,suggesting that the degraded materials are environmentally safe.Overall,this study contributes to the understanding of biodegradation mechanisms and the ecological impact of bio-based polymer composites as eco-friendly materials and products.
基金This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoalde Nível Superior-Brasil(CAPES)-Finance Code 001.
文摘The continuous improvement in patient care and recovery is driving the development of innovative materials for medical applications.Medical sutures,essential for securing implants and closing deep wounds,have evolved to incorporate smart materials capable of responding to various stimuli.This study explores the potential of thermoresponsive sutures,made from shape memory materials,that contract upon heating to bring loose stitches closer together,promoting optimal wound closure.We developed nanocomposites based on a blend of poly(lactic acid)(PLA)and thermoplastic polyurethane(TPU)—biopolymers that inherently exhibit shape memory—enhanced with carbon nanotubes(CNT)and graphene nanoplatelets(GN)to improve mechanical performance.PLA/TPU(50/50)nanocomposites were prepared with 1 and 2 wt%GN,as well as hybrid formulations combining 1 wt%CNT with 1 or 2 wt%GN,using a twin-screw extrusion process to form filaments.These filaments were characterized through differential scanning calorimetry(DSC),field emission gun scanning electron microscopy(FEG-SEM),tensile testing,and shape memory assessments.While the PLA/TPU blend is immiscible,TPU enhances the crystallinity(X_(c))of the PLA phase,further increased by the addition of CNT and GN.FEG-SEM images indicate CNTs primarily in the PLA phase and GN in the TPU phase.PLA/TPU with 1 or 2 wt%GN showed the highest potential for suture applications,with a high elastic modulus(~1000 MPa),significant strain at break(~10%),and effective shape recovery(~20%at 55℃ for 30 min).These findings suggest that these nanocomposites can enhance suture performance with controlled shape recovery that is suitable for medical use.
