Improved impact strength of poly(lactic acid) by incorporating poly(butylene succinate) and silicon dioxide nanoparticles

The surface of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) nanoparticles was treated with oleic acid, and the resulting surface properties were characterized. Bio-based poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene succinate)/SiO₂ nanocomposites were fabricated via solution blending. The influence of the SiO₂ content on the thermal stability, flexural properties, impact strength, and morphology of the prepared nanocomposites was investigated using several techniques. The impact strength of the nanocomposites with surface treated SiO₂ (O-SiO₂) nanoparticles substantially increased with increasing O-SiO₂ content from 0 to 3 wt%. Scanning electron microscopy imaging revealed that the nanocomposites with O-SiO₂ nanoparticles exhibited numerous tortuous cracks and ridges, indicating ductile deformation prior to fracturing.