Synergistic effects of modified TiO2/multifunctionalized graphene oxide nanosheets as functional hybrid nanofiller in enhancing the interface compatibility of PLA/starch nanocomposites

The aim of this study is to investigate the synergistic effects of modified TiO2/multifunctionalized graphene oxide nanosheets at different ratios on the interface compatibility between starch and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). To this end, silanylated nano-TiO2 (MTiO2, 1 and 2%) and alkylated maleic anhydride grafted graphene oxide (f-GO, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4%) at different combinations are blended with the PLA-starch composites using solution blending technique. Then, the synergistic effects of MTiO2 and f-GO on PLA/starch matrix are investigated in terms of the morphology, crystallinity, structural characterization, thermal stability, dynamic mechanical, and antiaging properties, and the related mechanisms. The Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra verify the successful synthesis of the two modified nanofillers (f-GO and MTiO2) and the formation of strong hydrogen bond within the PLA-starch nanocomposites. Due to the strong interfacial interaction and the synergistic effect from the combination of 1% MTiO2 and 0.2% f-GO, obvious improvement was observed in PLA-starch versus other nanocomposites in terms of morphology, thermal stability, surface hydrophobicity, storage modulus, ultraviolet-shielding capacity, and aging-resistance. Furthermore, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), isothermal crystallization kinetic, and X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrate that f-GO and the M-TiO2 significantly synergize in enhancing the crystallization rate and crystallinity of PLA/starch matrix. These results provide novel insights for constructing high-performance nanocomposites and facilitate their applications in food packaging.