Supramolecular design of high-performance poly(L-lactide)/carbon nanotube nanocomposites: from melt-processing to rheological, morphological and electrical properties

The ability of omega-imidazolium functionalized poly(L-lactide) (ImPLLA) chains to improve the CNT dispersion within the PLLA matrix was demonstrated in bulk and at elevated temperatures using melt-processing techniques. This approach brings new supramolecular tools to the formation of CNT-based biomaterials derived from renewable resources with outstanding properties for semi-industrial applications. In this work, the PLLA/CNT nanocomposites were prepared using extrusion technology, starting from masterbatches. The rheological, morphological, electrical properties as well as Raman analyses confirmed the establishment of supramolecular cation-pi interactions between ImPLLA and CNT in the melt, leading to a fine dispersion of CNT within PLLA matrix.