Plasticized and nanofilled PLA composites prepared by melt compounding in a twin screw extruder

In this study PLA-based nanocomposites with different loading of acetyl tri-n-butyl citrate (ATBC) as plasticizer were prepared. Polymer, filler and plasticizer are compounded in a co-rotating twin screw extruder with a screw diameter of 24 mm and a length-to-diameter ratio (L/D) of 40. The morphology of the nanocomposites was analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, in order to investigate the processability of polymer-based nanocomposites, the steady shear response at high shear flow conditions was investigated with an on-line capillary rheometer. MFR values were determined in order to verify the degree of polymerization after extrusion. Thermal stability, mechanical and barrier properties were also investigated.