Tatcha Sonjui and Nantana Jiratumnukul

pp. 535 - 540

Abstract

Poly(lactic acid) or PLA is a well-known biodegradable polymer derived from renewable resources such as corn strach,
tapioca strach, and sugar cane. PLA is the most extensively utilized biodegradable polyester with potential to replace
conventional petrochemical-based polymers. However, PLA has some drawbacks, such as brittleness and poor gas barrier
properties. Nano composite polymers have experience and increasing interest due to their characteristics, especially in
mechanical and thermal properties. The objectives of this research were to prepare PLA formulations using three different
PLAs. The formulas giving high gloss coating film were selected to prepare nano composite film by incorporated with different
amount of various types of organoclays. The physical properties of the PLA coating films were studied and it was found that
the PLA 7000D with 0.1%w/w of Cloisite 30B provided decent viscosity for coating process. In addition, the nano composite
coating films showed good physical properties such as high gloss, good adhesion, and good hardness. There is a possibility
of using the obtained formulation as a paper coating film.