Mechanical and Thermal Properties Enhancement of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Halloysite Nanocomposites by Maleic-Anhydride Functionalized Rubber

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/halloysite composites were prepared using melt compounding followed by compression molding. Maleic anhydride grafted styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS-g-MAH) was used to toughen the PLA composites. The mechanical properties of the PLA composites were studied through tensile, flexural, and impact tests. The thermal properties were characterized by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The fracture surfaces of the composites were assessed by using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The impact strength and thermal properties of the PLA/halloysite composites were increased by addition of SEBS-g-MAH.