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Fabrication of biodegradable poly (lactic acid)/carbon nanotube nanocomposite foams: Significant improvement on rheological property and foamability
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Researchers developed a CO2-based foaming method to fabricate ultra-low-density biodegradable polylactic acid/carbon nanotube nanocomposite foams, finding that even small additions of carbon nanotubes dramatically improved rheological properties and foamability.
Recently, biodegradable macromolecules have been highly desired as a promising alternative for traditional oil-based plastics to work out the eco crisis and biological health problems triggered by microplastics. Herein, we presented a simple, effective, environmentally friendly and CO-based foaming methodology for fabricating ultra-low-density poly (lactic acid)/carbon nanotube (PLA/CNTs) nanocomposite foam. By the gradual incorporation of CNTs, three kinds of networks generated in PLA/CNTs nanocomposites and had a distinct reinforcement influence on their melt viscoelasticity, which testified by transmission electron microscope, electrical conductivity and rheological property measurements, severally. Specifically, the storage modulus of PLA/CNTs nanocomposites were 3 orders of magnitude higher in contrast to pure PLA. Interestingly, relative to that under regular differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), a double melting peak phenomenon appeared in the high-pressure DSC curves of diverse PLA specimens. Biodegradable PLA/CNTs nanocomposite foam was successfully fabricated with a super-high volume expansion ratio (VER) of 49.6 times, which could offer a promising strategy for developing other thermoplastic polyester foams with ultra-high VER to obtain some unique functional attributes.
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Optimisation des mousses de PLA produites par méthode supercritique : Influence de la modification chimique et de l'incorporation de CNC sur les structures cellulaires résultantes
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Researchers investigated the influence of chemical modification and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) incorporation on the properties of polylactic acid (PLA) foams produced by supercritical CO2 foaming, motivated by the need for biodegradable alternatives to microplastic-generating petroleum-based foam materials. Chemical modification improved PLA melt elasticity and resulted in significant changes to cellular foam structure, advancing the development of biodegradable packaging foams.
ScCO2-assisted fabrication and compressive property of poly (lactic acid) foam reinforced by in-situ polytetrafluoroethylene fibrils
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Researchers developed biodegradable poly(lactic acid) foam reinforced with polytetrafluoroethylene fibrils using supercritical CO2 foaming, achieving a 30% improvement in specific compressive strength and two orders of magnitude increase in storage modulus at 5 wt% PTFE content. The approach improves PLA's typically poor melt strength and slow crystallization, making it a more viable bio-based alternative to petroleum-based plastic foams.
Supercritical CO2-Assisted Fabrication of Environmentally Friendly Poly(Propylene Carbonate)/Poly(Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate)/Epoxidized Soybean Oil (PPC/PBAT/ESO) Lightweight Open-Cell Foams With Excellent Degradability and Thermal Insulation Properties.
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Researchers made a lightweight foam from biodegradable plastics and soybean oil using carbon dioxide gas as a foaming agent. In lab testing, the foam expanded significantly, lost 57.96% of its mass within 26 days, and showed strong heat insulation properties, suggesting it could serve as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastic foams.
Modification of Poly(lactic acid) by the Plasticization for Application in the Packaging Industry
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Researchers investigated the modification of poly(lactic acid) through plasticization to improve its mechanical properties for use in packaging industry applications as a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics.
Lightweight carbon foam obtained from post-use polyethylene terephthalate bottles, properties, and potential applications
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Researchers synthesized lightweight carbon foam from post-consumer PET plastic bottles via a controlled carbonization process, characterizing the foam's physical and chemical properties and exploring its potential as a value-added material from plastic waste recycling.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.