Crystallization behavior and morphology of biodegradable polylactide/layered silicate nanocomposite

An intercalated polylactide (PLA)/layered silicate nanocomposite was prepared by simple melt extrusion of PLA and organically modified montmorillonite. The detailed crystallization kinetics and morphology of neat PLA before and after nanocomposite preparation were studied by using polarized optical microscopy, light scattering, differential scanning calorimetric, and wide-angle X-ray diffraction analyses. The overall crystallization rate and spherulitic texture of pure PLA were strongly influenced in the presence of montmorillonite particles.