MXenes Embedded PLA Nanocomposites for Challenging Versatile Applications
Topic(s) : Material science
Co-authors :
Vasileios TZATZADAKIS (GREECE), Alexandros THOMOS , Franceska GOJDA (GREECE), Fanourios KRASANAKIS , Athanasios SKOURAS , Athina PATELAROU , Michail ZOGRAFAKIS-SFAKIANAKIS (GREECE), Konstantinos GIAKOUMIDAKIS (GREECE), Evridiki PATELAROU (GREECE), Kiriaki CHRISSOPOULOU (GREECE), Spiros ANASTASIADIS (GREECE), Minas STYLIANAKIS (GREECE)Abstract :
The widespread utilization of polymers on a worldwide scale is undeniable, and with the ongoing expansion of plastics in everyday life, there is an increasing need for extending the service life of these products. In response to this requirement, we urge for a new approach towards the use of plastic, by incorporating emerging nanomaterials within a polymer matrix. This practice will not only increase the lifetime of vital polymer equipment, but it will also integrate sustainable manufacturing processes into our modern working environment.
In order to achieve these goals, nanocomposites were developed using commercially accessible polylactic acid (PLA) incorporating Ti3C2Tx nanoflakes from the emerging family of MXenes. PLA was chosen due to its intriguing combination of biocompatibility, intrinsic biodegradability and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of applications [1]. On the other hand, Ti3C2Tx represents “the next big thing” in nanotechnology applications thanks to its extraordinary properties ranging from mechanical to antimicrobial ones [2]. The procedure to implement this project was based on the mixing of diluted PLA and dispersed Ti3C2Tx prepared in the same solvent (acetonitrile - ACN) to develop PLA/Ti3C2Tx nanocomposites by a wet-wet mixing process. More specifically, the preparation of Ti3C2Tx dispersion was assisted by an ultrasonic probe and then remained still for 96-hour to collect/separate the stable supernatant from the sediment [3]. Next, nanocomposite dispersions were prepared at different concentrations ratio to the polymer, under continuous stirring and dried for a week at 30°C in a vacuum oven.
The mechanical, structural and thermal properties of the nanocomposites were thoroughly evaluated to elucidate the beneficial role of Ti3C2Tx nanoflakes within the polymer matrix, in order to assess their potential use in several applications. Specifically, tensile tests were conducted according to ASTM standards, thermal properties were also evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were performed to study any structural changes.
Overall, PLA/Ti3C2Tx nanocomposites exhibited significantly improved mechanical strength and thermal stability compared to the neat PLA. Therefore, such nanocomposites may address the need for prolonged service life in polymer-based products for various versatile applications and signify a transformative step towards a more sustainable and resilient future in material science and manufacturing practices.
In order to achieve these goals, nanocomposites were developed using commercially accessible polylactic acid (PLA) incorporating Ti3C2Tx nanoflakes from the emerging family of MXenes. PLA was chosen due to its intriguing combination of biocompatibility, intrinsic biodegradability and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of applications [1]. On the other hand, Ti3C2Tx represents “the next big thing” in nanotechnology applications thanks to its extraordinary properties ranging from mechanical to antimicrobial ones [2]. The procedure to implement this project was based on the mixing of diluted PLA and dispersed Ti3C2Tx prepared in the same solvent (acetonitrile - ACN) to develop PLA/Ti3C2Tx nanocomposites by a wet-wet mixing process. More specifically, the preparation of Ti3C2Tx dispersion was assisted by an ultrasonic probe and then remained still for 96-hour to collect/separate the stable supernatant from the sediment [3]. Next, nanocomposite dispersions were prepared at different concentrations ratio to the polymer, under continuous stirring and dried for a week at 30°C in a vacuum oven.
The mechanical, structural and thermal properties of the nanocomposites were thoroughly evaluated to elucidate the beneficial role of Ti3C2Tx nanoflakes within the polymer matrix, in order to assess their potential use in several applications. Specifically, tensile tests were conducted according to ASTM standards, thermal properties were also evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), while X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were performed to study any structural changes.
Overall, PLA/Ti3C2Tx nanocomposites exhibited significantly improved mechanical strength and thermal stability compared to the neat PLA. Therefore, such nanocomposites may address the need for prolonged service life in polymer-based products for various versatile applications and signify a transformative step towards a more sustainable and resilient future in material science and manufacturing practices.