Nanocomposites of encapsulated silica nanoparticles were prepared by in situ emulsion polymerization of acrylate monomers. The synthesized material showed good uniformity and dispersion of the inorganic components in the base polymer, which enhances the properties of the nanocomposite material. A nonionic surfactant with lower critical solution temperature (LCST) was used to encapsulate the silica nanoparticles in the acrylic copolymer matrix. This in situ method combined the surface modification and the encapsulation in a single pot, which greatly simplified the process compared with other conventional methods requiring separate processing steps. The morphology of the encapsulated nanosilica particles was investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which confirmed the uniform distribution of the nanoparticles without any agglomerations. A neat copolymer was also prepared as a control sample. Both the neat copolymer and the prepared nanocomposite were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and the flame resistance test. Due to the uniform dispersion of the non-agglomerated nanoparticles in the matrix of the polymer, TGA and flame resistance test results showed remarkably improved thermal stability. Furthermore, DMTA results demonstrated an enhanced storage modulus of the nanocomposite samples compared with that of the neat copolymer, indicating its superior mechanical properties.

Natural fibers have been approved as an excellent alternative for traditional reinforcements in polymer composites. However, the main disadvantage of natural fibers as reinforcements is their poor interaction with polymeric matrices due to their hydrophilic nature. In order to improve their compatibility as composite reinforcement, surface treatments are required. Silane treatment has been widely used to modify hygroscopic properties of natural fibers. In this study, a new method of silane treatment has been developed without the prehydrolysis and curing/dehydration of silanol groups. To do so, flax fibers were modified through 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxy radical (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation followed by direct application of the amino-silane. The fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion was examined by measuring interlaminar shear strength. Thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis were performed to study the thermal resistance and thermomechanical properties of the composites. The results revealed that fiber/matrix adhesion was improved in the oxidized silanized fiber composite. In addition, water absorption was significantly reduced (20%) in the oxidized silanized fiber reinforced composite compared with the as-received one.

The present work seeks to determine the impact of weight percentage (wt%) of grafted starch nanocrystals (g-SNCs) on the oxygen and water vapour permeability of poly (lactic acid), PLA. Changes in the oxygen and water vapour permeability of PLA due to changes in PLA’s crystalline structures and lamellar thickness were quantified. To this end, 3, 5, and 7 wt% of g-SNC nanoparticles were blended with PLA using the solvent casting method in order to study impact of g-SNC nanoparticles on crystallization behaviour, long spacing period, melting behavior, and oxygen and water barrier properties of PLA nanocomposites. This was achieved by wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), small-angle X-ray diffraction (SAXD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and oxygen and water vapour permeability machine. The results of the WAXD and SAXD analysis show that the addition of 5 wt% g-SNC in PLA induces $\alpha$ crystal structure at a lower crystallization time, while it significantly increases the $\alpha$ crystal thickness of PLA, in comparison to neat PLA. However, when g-SNC concentrations were altered (i.e., 3 or 7 wt%), the crystallization time was found to increase due to the thermodynamic barrier of crystallization. Finally, the oxygen and water vapour permeability of PLA/SNC-g-LA (5 wt%) nanocomposite film were found to be reduced by ∼70% and $~$50%, respectively, when compared to the neat PLA film. This can lead to the development of PLA nanocomposites with high potential for applications in food packaging.