@article{(Open Science Index):https://publications.waset.org/pdf/13702, title = {Characterization of Biodegradable Nanocomposites with Poly (Lactic Acid) and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes}, author = {Md F. Mina and Mohammad D.H. Beg and Muhammad R. Islam and Abu K. M. M. Alam A. Nizam and Rosli M. Younus}, country = {}, institution = {}, abstract = {In this study, structural, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites with low-loaded (0-1.5 wt%) untreated, heat and nitric acid treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were studied. Among the composites, untreated 0.5 wt % MWCNTs and acid-treated 1.0 wt% MWCNTs reinforced PLA show the tensile strength and modulus values higher than the others. These two samples along with pure PLA exhibit the stable orthorhombic α-form, whilst other samples reveal the less stable orthorhombic β-form, as demonstrated by X-ray diffraction study. Differential scanning calorimetry reveals the evolution of the mentioned different phases by controlled cooling and discloses an enhancement of PLA crystallization by nanotubes incorporation. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the MWCNTs loaded sample degraded faster than PLA. Surface resistivity of the nanocomposites is found to be dropped drastically by a factor of 1013 with a low loading of MWCNTs (1.5 wt%).}, journal = {International Journal of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering}, volume = {7}, number = {1}, year = {2013}, pages = {74 - 79}, ee = {https://publications.waset.org/pdf/13702}, url = {https://publications.waset.org/vol/73}, bibsource = {https://publications.waset.org/}, issn = {eISSN: 1307-6892}, publisher = {World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology}, index = {Open Science Index 73, 2013}, }