Evaluation of the Influence of Nanoparticles' Shapes on the Formation of Poly(lactic acid) Nanocomposites Obtained Employing the Solution Method

PLA nanocomposites were prepared by adding organically modified montmorillonite clay (Viscogel B8) and a homoionic clay (NT25), as well as unmodified silica (A200) and modified organic silica (R972). All nanocomposites were obtained by the solution intercalation method using chloroform as a solvent. The materials obtained were essentially characterized by X-ray diffraction and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry, through the measurement of proton spin-lattice relaxation time (LF-NMR). Both clays and silicas used to obtain the polymeric nanocomposites showed good dispersion in the polymeric matrix. The relaxation times were distinct for each type of nanoparticle used. The nanocomposite formed with homoionic clay, NT25, presented an increase in the relaxation data, indicating formation of intercalated nanocomposites, contrary to the action of the organoclay Viscogel B8, which preferentially formed an exfoliated nanocomposite. When unmodified and organo-modified silica were added to PLA, an increase in the relaxation time of the polymer matrix was observed. According to the relaxation data, the organosilica R972 dispersed better in the polymeric matrix and consequently interacted better than the A200.