Abstract

Polymeric membranes based on Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) were produced, as well as bionanocomposites of PLA and clay cloisite 20A. The membranes and nanocomposites were produced with the solvent chloroform by the solvent evaporation method using the 15:85 mass ratio of clay and polymer. Loads of 3% and 5% clay by mass in relation to the total mass of the polymer were used in the production of the bionanicomposites, employing chloroform as solvent. In addition, to evaluate the influence of the filler addition on the polymer structure and barrier properties of the membranes and bionanic composites, X-ray diffraction (XRD), contact angle, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), water vapor permeation test and apparent porosity test were used. The X-ray diffraction showed a good dispersion of the clay in the polymer matrix of the bionanocomposites indicating a structure consistent with the literature results, i.e., crystalline peaks characteristic of the polymer and clay. From the results of the contact angle test, it can be seen that the addition of clay in the polymer matrix caused changes in the hydrophobicity of the bionanocomposites, creating spaces and pores. The analysis of the scanning electron microscopy test showed a dense structure with little formation of visible pores. Through the results obtained from the water vapor transmission test, it can be considered that the more clay is added to the polymer matrix, the more permeable the membrane will become. The characterization by the apparent porosity test showed that the bionanocomposite with 3% of filler ratified the best results in two time intervals meaning an intercalated formation of the clay with the polymer. Thus, it was possible to obtain a nanocomposite with satisfactory characteristics and results.