Biodegradable polymer nanocomposite technology

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As described previously, the inherent difficult processing operations and relatively poor mechanical and barrier properties have limited the industrial use of biodegradable polymers. One of the possible routes for overcoming biopolymers inherent shortcomings is through the application of nanocomposites technology. 

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Combining the biodegradability of the polymer matrix with the possibility to improve its physical-chemical and thermo-mechanical performances represents a real opportunity. In addition to poly(e-caprolactone), which is derived from the petrochemical industry, this nanocomposite technology has been extended to other aliphatic polyesters such as poly(a-hydroxyacid)s, the most representative being poly(lactic acid) issued fi om sugar and (poly)saccharides fermentation. Poly(lactic acid) clay nanocomposites produced from renewable (non fossil) feedstock should allow for an interesting valorisation of surplus agricultural products. 

The main objective of this section is to describe that the PLS nanocomposite technology is not only suitable for the concurrent improvement of mechanical and materials properties of virgin biodegradable polymers, it is also useful for the nanoscale control of the biodegradability of biodegradable polymers like PLA, PHB, PBS, SAP, etc. 

Finally, the remarkable mechanical properties and reinforcing potential, renew-ability, biobased nature, biodegradability and unique nanostructured porous network of BC make it a perfect candidate for polymer and hybrid nanocomposites development. In this sense, extensive research has been carried on the design of innovative BC nanocomposite materials with improved and functional properties, by combination with several natural and synthetic polymers as well as inorganic nanophases, for a wide range of biomedical and technological applications. This will be the object of the two coming sections. 

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