PMMA/PLA/Clay biodegradable nanocomposite synthesis and characterization

Purpose: In this study, it is aimed to create a more environmentally friendly product by reducing the amountof petroleum-based polymer use and ensuring that biodegradable material is destroyed in nature in a short time. Theory and Methods: PMMA/Bentonite and PMMA/HNT nanocomposites were synthesized using PMMA polymer obtained from MMA monomer by emulsion polymerization method and inorganic additives(bentonite, HNT) in different ratios (5 wt.% and 10 wt.%). The nanocomposites were synthesized by in-situand solution blending methods. Biodegradable PMMA/PLA, PMMA/PLA/Bentonite, and PMMA/PLA/HNTwere obtained by mixing the obtained PMMA and PMMA/clay nanocomposites with PLA at the ratio ofPMMA:PLA 50:50 (by weight). The mechanical, surface, and thermal properties of these materials wereinvestigated. In addition, the synthesized samples were buried in two different soils, and the effects of clayadditives and production methods on biodegradability were observed for 6 months. Results: According to Shore-D analysis, it has been determined that the hardness values of nanocomposites are much higher than those of pure polymer. HNT and bentonite additives increased the thermal stability ofthe nanocomposites compared to the pure polymer. Compared to the in-situ method, it was observed that thenanocomposites synthesized by the solution blending method showed better distribution in the structure anddegraded faster in the soil; the cactus soil created a better degradation ambient than the humus soil. Conclusion: Depending on the solid waste problem, which is one of today's problems, it is thought that it willbe beneficial to prevent this problem if a wider usage area is opened to PLA to benefit from the biodegradablefeature of PLA in the packaging industry, which constitutes a large part of the waste load in the environment. In this study, it has been concluded that HNT and bentonite nano additives added to the PMMA/PLA structureincrease the thermal and mechanical strength of the material throughout its lifetime and acceleratebiodegradation as a result of increasing the water retention property of the nanomaterial