Renewable PLA/PHBV Blend-Based Graphene Nanoplatelets and Carbon Nanotube Hybrid Nanocomposites for Electromagnetic and Electric-Related Applications
Erick Gabriel Ribeiro dos Anjos, Tayra Rodrigues Brazil, Guilherme Ferreira de Melo Morgado, Eduardo Antonelli, Mirabel Cerqueira Rezende, Luiz Antônio Pessan, Francys Kley Vieira Moreira, Juliano Marini, Fábio Roberto Passador
Abstract
In response to the growing demand for multifunctional and eco-friendly materials, biodegradable polymers are gaining prominence in electronic nanocomposites. This study explores the addition of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) to enhance the electrical and electromagnetic properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate- co -3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) blends. Nanocomposites with improved performance were fabricated by utilizing solvent-free melt-processing methods (extrusion and injection molding). Specifically, 1 wt % MWCNT and 3 wt % GNP (1/3 (MWCNT/GNP)) exhibited exceptional properties with minimal nanomaterial content, achieving an electrical conductivity exceeding 10 –4 S/cm, making it ideal for antistatic packaging. Our simulated and experimentally validated reflection loss (RL) values, reaching −29 dB with a bandwidth of 2.78 GHz, suggest its potential as a microwave absorbent. These results expand the applications of PLA and PHBV in sustainable technologies, offering renewable and biodegradable solutions for various industrial sectors.