Comparative study of PLA composites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets, graphene oxides, and carbon nanotubes: Mechanical and degradation evaluation

The effect of different reinforcements such as graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), Graphene oxides (GO), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), into PLA was studied in this research work. Distinct suspensions of GO, GNPs, and CNTs have been utilized to fabricate the PLA/GO, PLA/GNPs, and PLA/CNTs composites through solution casting. All composites were compared based on mechanical and degradation results. FTIR results confirm the ester and alcohol functional groups in PLA and composites. EDX results indicate the weight % of carbon, oxygen, and chlorine elements. The tensile results showed that adding GO and GNPs significantly enhanced the tensile strength compared to pure PLA, while CNTs slightly increased strength. The ductility of all the composites was decreased by adding carbon-based reinforcements. The addition of GO and GNPs slightly decreases the degradation rate of PLA, while the addition of CNTs accelerates the degradation of PLA. Among the PLA/GO, PLA/CNTs, and PLA/GNP, PLA/GO samples exhibit comparatively better degradation and tensile properties.