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AuthorMngomezulu, M. E.
AuthorLuyt, A. S.
AuthorJohn, M. J.
Available date2022-04-17T09:47:34Z
Publication Date2019
Publication NameJournal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials
ResourceScopus
Identifierhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0892705717744830
URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10576/29907
AbstractThis work reports on the effect of expandable graphite (EG) on the morphology, thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of flame retardant poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/EG composites. The composites were prepared by melt-mixing and their structure, morphology, melting and crystallization behaviour, as well as their dynamic mechanical properties, were investigated. It was found that graphite layers still existed in an aggregate structure with poor filler dispersion resulting in a lack of interfacial adhesion between EG and the PLA matrix. The presence of EG did not favour the crystallization of PLA, increased the glass transition temperature and showed a reduction in the crystallinity of the composites. The composites with higher filler contents showed enhanced storage and loss moduli. The glass transition temperatures from the loss modulus and damping factor curves varied inconsistently with EG content. The use of commercial EG as filler in PLA can preserve the thermal properties of injection moulding grade Cereplast PLA.
SponsorThe financial assistance of the National Research Foundation towards this research is hereby acknowledged. Opinions expressed and conclusions arrived at are those of the authors and are not necessarily to be attributed to the NRF. Acknowledgements are also extended to colleagues and researchers for their undivided attention and support. The author(s) disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: The authors received the financial support from National Research Foundation for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Languageen
PublisherSAGE Publications Ltd
Subjectelectron microscopy
expandable graphite
Poly(lactic acid)
thermal properties
TitleMorphology, thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)/expandable graphite (PLA/EG) flame retardant composites
TypeArticle
Pagination89-107
Issue Number1
Volume Number32
dc.accessType Abstract Only


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