The Role of Functional Group on the Exfoliation of Clay in Poly(<scp>L</scp>‐lactide)

Abstract

Abstract Summary: A new method was attempted to improve the interaction between poly( L ‐lactide) (PLLA) with a commercially available organoclay, Cloisite 25A (C25A), which was functionalized with (glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane to introduce epoxy groups, and is referred to as twice‐functionalized organoclay (TFC). Tethering PLLA molecules to the epoxy groups on the surface of the TFC was attempted by melt compounding. X‐Ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy images showed that fully exfoliated PLLA/TFC nanocomposites were prepared successfully. Transmission electron micrographs of the PLLA composites of the three clays used here. image Transmission electron micrographs of the PLLA composites of the three clays used here.