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Preparation of PLA and CNT Nanocomposites and Investigation of Gamma Irradiation

Shafiee Langari, Mohammad Javad | 2012

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  1. Type of Document: M.Sc. Thesis
  2. Language: Farsi
  3. Document No: 43428 (06)
  4. University: Sharif University of Technology
  5. Department: Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
  6. Advisor(s): Frounchi, Masoud; Dadbin, Susan
  7. Abstract:
  8. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biocompatible polymer that could be used for biomedical applications. Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have excellent mechanical strength and modulus and also are electrically conductive. Inclusion of CNT in PLA could improve mechanical and electrical properties of PLA and find applications as biomaterials in biomedical engineering. The success of the resulted nanocomposites of PLA/CNT depends on uniform dispersion of CNT within PLA and good interfacial adhesion between the nanotubes and the matrix PLA. Chemical modification of CNT surface by grafting maleic anhydride has been reported. However, for biomedical applications chemical agents may prove harmful and should be used with extra caution. Gamma irradiation of CNT in an appropriate medium such as water may induce chemically active agents useful for better interfacial adhesion between CNT and the matrix polymer. In this study we have reported nanocomposites of polylactic acid and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) surface-treated with gamma irradiation. The resulted nanocomposite films were characterized by FTIR, scanning electron microscopy, tensile test and differential scanning calorimetry. Interfacial adhesion of carbon nanotubes with the matrix polylactic acid was improved by direct irradiation of the nanotubes by gamma rays. The irradiation of CNTs in an appropriate medium resulted in the formation of interfacial chemical groups. The improved adhesion led to a remarkable increase in elongation of the nanocomposites.

  9. Keywords:
  10. Nanocomposite ; Polylactic Acid ; Carbon Nanotubes ; Gamma Rays

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