PLA/Halloysite Nanocomposite Films: Water Vapor Barrier Properties and Specific Key Characteristics

PLA nanocomposites at various Halloysite (HNT) loadings are produced by melt-mixing and then shaped as films. HNT is additionally surface-treated by silanization reaction with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TMSPM). The morphology, thermal and transport properties to water vapor (sorption, diffusion, permeability) of nanocomposite films are examined and compared to those of neat PLA. Due to the good nanofiller dispersion within PLA matrix, favorable interactions between components and other specific characteristic features (thermal, mechanical, optical), these nanocomposites are potentially interesting for use as environmental friendly packaging materials.