Preparation and characterization of poly(lactic acid)/boron oxide nanocomposites: Thermal, mechanical, crystallization, and flammability properties

Abstract In this study, poly(lactic acid)/boron oxide nanocomposites (PLA/BONPs) were prepared by solution casting method and characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry analysis, limiting oxygen index (LOI) and mechanical test. The particle size of boron oxide was reduced to nanosize using SPEX ball mill and boron oxide nanoparticles (BONPs) were functionalized with oleic acid, [3‐(trimethoxylsilyl) propylmethacrylate] and triethoxyvinylsilane (VS). Obtaining of nanosized and surface functionalized BONPs enhanced the crystallinity, mechanical, and flammability properties of PLA/BONPs. Compared with the neat PLA, crystallinity increased from 13.68% to 32.55% for 5 wt% VS functionalized BONPs added nanocomposite, tensile strength increased from 41.25 ± 0.80 MPa to 51.12 ± 2.54 MPa for 2.5 wt% VS functionalized BONPs added nanocomposite and LOI increased from 21.2 to 26.8 for 5 wt% VS functionalized BONPs added nanocomposite. Functionalized BONPs increased the thermal degradation temperature of nanocomposite slightly. With the enhanced mechanical and flammability properties PLA/BONPs nanocomposites are good candidate for packaging, electronic, and automotives industries.