Nanoclay-Reinforced PLA/TPU Blends: A Study on Mechanical, Thermal, and Morphological Improvements- Short Review

This study explores polymer composites' mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties based on Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), reinforced with nanoclay particles. PLA, a promising bio-based polymer, has limitations like low thermal resistance and slow crystallization, which can be addressed by incorporating nanofillers such as Cloisite ۳۰B nanoclay. This research combined PLA/TPU blends (۷۰/۳۰ ratio) with varying amounts of nanoclay (۱-۵ wt%) and a Joncryl chain extender to enhance mechanical properties. Morphological analysis using SEM and TEM confirmed uniform dispersion and interfacial localization of the nanoclay, improving the droplet morphology of TPU in the PLA matrix. Mechanical tests revealed that the addition of ۳ wt% nanoclay significantly enhanced strength, while ۵ wt% provided the highest toughness and hardness. Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) was used to assess storage modulus, loss modulus, and shape memory properties, which improved with increasing nanoclay content. XRD confirmed the exfoliation and distribution of nanoclay without chemical reactions between the components. Overall, the incorporation of nanoclay improved the composite’s mechanical performance and shape memory characteristics, demonstrating that PLA/TPU nanocomposites are viable, scalable materials for industrial applications requiring durability and toughness.

کلیدواژه ها:

Polylactic Acid (PLA) ، Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) ، Nanoclay ، Nanocomposite