Spectroscopic Analysis of Nanoparticle Aspect Ratio Effects in Biopolymer Composites

Monday, March 08, 2021: 2:40 PM - 3:15 PM

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Description

The use of synthetic polymers in packaging has caused significant global ecological issues, due to both improper disposal and inadequate recycling infrastructure. There is an increasing societal need for more environmentally friendly biodegradable polymer alternatives. Poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) generated by bacterial synthesis are a promising material family, however they often require modification to enhance mechanical properties and processing characteristics. The copolymer poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate] (PHBHx) has received positive attention due to its desirable and tunable thermal and mechanical behavior. Additional property enhancements are possible through the use of nanoparticle-PHBHx composite systems, which affect the crystallization, biodegradation and barrier properties of the polymer. To maintain environmental friendliness, the use of a biodegradable nanoparticle in the composite is desirable. Nanocelluloses (NCs) are an ideal candidate, however the aspect ratio of the nanoparticles also affects the crystallization and mechanical properties of the NC/PHBHx composite. The effect of nanocellulose concentration and morphology (nanospheres, nanorods and nanofibers) on the structure and crystallization behavior of the NC/PHBHx composites was assessed using Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) was also employed to identify overlapping bands and clarify complex crystallization behavior. The analyses demonstrated that higher aspect ratio in nanoparticles caused a significant reduction in polymer crystallinity.

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Additional Info

Keywords: Please select up to 4 keywords ONLY:
Materials Characterization,Infrared Spectroscopy,Polymers,Raman/Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy