The effect of boehmite alumina nanoparticles on the properties of polylactide/polypropylene blend composites

The effect of boehmite alumina nanofiller on properties of polylactide/polypropylene blend compatibilized with 3% maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene was investigated. Boehmite alumina nanoparticles were finely dispersed in polylactide/polypropylene/boehmite alumina blend up to 7 wt.% to form blend nanocomposites which were prepared by twin-screw melt compounding. The morphology, thermal, mechanical, heat distortion temperature, thermomechanical and degradation characteristics were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy indicated a tubular morphology with increasing boehmite alumina in the blend matrix particularly at 5 and 7 wt.% of boehmite alumina loadings with few agglomerates. Transmission electron microscopy indicated a highly dispersed boehmite alumina in the blend nanocomposites. Boehmite alumina nanoparticles significantly influenced the thermal properties and a nucleation of the blend matrix. A significant improvement in the tensile modulus and tensile strength upon addition of boehmite alumina in the blend nanocomposites was obtained. However, beyond 3 wt.% of boehmite alumina addition, there was a clear deterioration in mechanical properties.