Poly(lactic acid) biocomposites with mango waste and organo-montmorillonite for packaging

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer used in packaging, but its properties can be improved by manufacturing composite matrixes. The combination of PLA, starch, and nano-montmorillonite leads to materials with superior mechanical properties. Mango lump is rich in cellulose and starch. The goal of this study is to develop and characterize biocomposites based on PLA, mango waste, and nano-organo-montmorillonite for packaging. The samples were microstructurally, morphologically, and mechanically characterized. Physical interaction between the phases was observed. The mango components displaced the PLA X-ray diffraction peaks and the clays altered their intensity, by interfering with chain packing. The addition of single components to PLA increased the samples' transition temperatures, but the addition of multiple components diminished them. PLA showed adhesiveness to cellulose fibers and nonadhesiveness to starch granules. Thicker samples presented better mechanical properties. PLA-mango-"chocolate clay" samples are relatively stable materials, while PLA-mango-"bofe clay" samples could represent promising highly biodegradable materials. (c) 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47512.