Preparation of PLA/nano-ZnO composites

In order to improve the toughness and impact resistance of PLA, nano-ZnO modified with different surface treatment agents (titanium ester, silane coupling agent and alkylamine) was added to PLA matrix. The samples were examined by fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, micropolariscopy and mechanical properties. The results show that when the addition of nano-ZnO reaches to 0.2 wt.%, the tensile strength and elongation at break of PLA/ZnO nanocomposites have the maximum values of 20.5MPa and 10.2%, respectively. The mechanical properties of PLA/ZnO nanocomposites can be improved apparently modified with different treatment agents, and the spherocrystal size of the samples can be reduced obviously. Infrared spectra of nano-ZnO modified with different treatment agents include two peaks at 2919 cm(-1) and 2851 cm(-1), which are corresponding to C-H stretching vibration.