Crystallization behaviour of PHBV/WS2 inorganic nanotube nanocomposites

Abstract

Using tungsten disulphide inorganic nanotubes (INT-WS2) in organic-inorganic hybrid composite materials provide the potential for improving thermal, mechanical, and tribological properties of conventional composites. Recent results have raised new expectations, since it has been observed that well-dispersed INT-WS2 exhibit a much more prominent nucleation activity, improving the overall crystallization process of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) than specific nucleating agents or other reported nano-sized fillers, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene. Similarly, good dispersion and interfacial adhesion of INT-WS2 in a poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) matrix significantly influence the crystallizability of PHBV. These features may be advantageous for the enhancement of the mechanical properties and processability of this new class of WS2-based composite materials.