Polylactide and carbon nanotubes/smectite-clay nanocomposites: Preparation, characterization, sorptive and electrical properties

In order to prepare polylactide nanocomposites, hybrid fillers were synthesized by direct growth of carbon nanotubes over as-purchased and Na+-exchanged clay catalysts with 15 wt.% iron load. The sorptive and electrical behavior of nanocomposites obtained by the incorporation of 1-5 wt.% filler was investigated. Results show that polylactide nanocomposites are endowed with increased sorption and outstandingly enhanced conductivity (up to 6 or even 9 orders of magnitude) with respect to the pristine polymer (sigma=1.10(-10) S/m). The origin of these changes is discussed, and the synergistic action between nanotubes and clay is evidenced. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.