Journal Published Online: 17 March 2021
Volume 10, Issue 1

Density and Its Role in Predicting Interphase Characteristics and Dispersion in Poly(Lactic Acid) – Particulate Fillers Composites

CODEN: MPCACD

Abstract

Density measurements (i.e., physical magnitude) are quick, efficient, and crucial in determining the structure and quality of solid materials. For polymer composites, properties tend to increase, decrease, or both with density. In this work, poly(lactic acid) composites (PLAC) filled with carbon black (CB), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were prepared using the dissolution–dispersion method (DD) and oligomeric–dispersion method (OD). To study the hybrid effect, PLAC with 2.5 weight percent (wt%) CB + MWCNTs (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0wt%) and 2.5wt% CB + CNFs (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0wt%) were prepared using DD and OD. Density measurements were performed on PLAC to determine the extent of dispersion and interphase characteristics. PLAC prepared by OD showed an increase in density values in comparison to DD, irrespective of the filler.

Author Information

Rane, Ajay Vasudeo
Composite Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology – Steve Biko Campus, Durban, South Africa
Kanny, Krishnan
Composite Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology – Steve Biko Campus, Durban
Pandurangan, Mohan Turup
Composite Research Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Durban University of Technology – Steve Biko Campus, Durban
Thomas, Sabu
International and Interuniversity Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India
Pages: 8
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: MPC20200086
ISSN: 2379-1365
DOI: 10.1520/MPC20200086