Polylactide/Clay Nano-Biocomposites

Abstract

Polymer/layered filler nano-composites (PLFNCs) offer remarkably improved mechanical and various other properties with low inorganic filler loading. The major development in this field has been carried out over last one and half decades. However we are far from the goal in terms of understanding the mechanisms of the enhancement effect in the nano-composites. Continued progress in nanoscale controlling, as well as an improved understanding of the physicochemical phenomena at the nanometer scale, have contributed to the rapid development of novel PLFNCs. This chapter presents recent advances in biodegradable polylactide (PLA)-based nano-composites with the primary focus of recent advances from basic science to technology.