Preparation and Characterization of Organoclay Reinforced Polylactic Acid Biocomposite Films

Polylactic acid (PLA) based biocomposite films, reinforced with different loadings of organoclay, were prepared by solution casting method. Four different loadings of clay was done, 2, 5, 10 and 15 weight% with respect to the matrix. These biocomposite films were characterized by mechanical characterization, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) moisture diffusivity property at 93% RH. Both the mechanical and the visco-elastic property of these films were measured by nano indentation technique. Mechanical property by nano indentation analysis revealed an idea about the extent of clay dispersion in the matrix. The amount of clay loading and its dispersion significantly affected the mechanical as well as the Visco-elastic behavior of the biocomposite films. The morphology of the films were observed with the help of SEM.