Multifunctional nanobiocomposites of biodegradable polylactide and nanoclay

Nanoclay reinforcements of biodegradable polylactide (PLA) have shown great promise in the design of environmentally friendly polymeric materials that have desired properties. A fairly new type of composite has emerged in which the dispersed clay platelets have nanometer scale dimensions (at least one dimension within the range of 1 100. nm). These composite materials are known as nanobiocomposites. This chapter critically reviews the major developments in this area during last 5-10 years. The various techniques used to process clay-containing nanobiocomposites of PLA, their structural and morphological characterization, their improved mechanical and material properties, their melt-state rheology and biodegradability, and finally, current challenges and future impacts of these materials are discussed.