Property Investigation of Poly (Ethylene Co-vinyl Acetate)/Poly (l-Lactic Acid)/Organo Clay Nanocomposites

In this study, EVAc/PLA/organo clay nanocomposites were prepared via solution mixing method. The SEM images were used to investigate the morphology of nanocomposites revealing no phase separation or agglomeration of disperse phase in EVAc/PLA blends and nanocomposites. SAXS spectra confirmed the intercalated morphology of nanocomposites. Soil burial test were carried out and the rate of degradation of the samples were measured indirectly. Oxygen gas permeability of EVAc was slightly decreased by adding PLA to the matrix, when small loads of clay caused dramatic improvement in barrier properties. Melt rheological frequency sweep test illustrated the compatibility of EVAc with low contents of PLA. Tensile test cleared that increasing PLA's content and clay's load in EVAc results in increase in tensile strength and modulus of the composite.