03419ntm a2200349 i 4500 MY-KuUP 20260623154428.0 t|||||r|||| 000 0 ta 260623t20242024my a|||fr|||| 000 0 eng d THE0010622 (Local) Hardback UMPSA eng UMPSA rda FTKKP .C486 2024 r Bc. Ng, Chung Nam, author. Preparation and characterization of pla/starch/gnp nanocomposites / Ng Chung Nam Kuantan, Pahang : UMPSA, 2024 © 2024 xvii, 94 pages : illustrations ; rdacontent text rdamedia unmediated rdacarrier volume rda text file PDF Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology Final Year Report (Bachelor of Chemical Engineering ) -- Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah - 2024 Include bibliographical reference This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/starch/graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) nanocomposites with a specific emphasis on their mechanical properties. The escalating environmental concerns regarding nonbiodegradable materials necessitate the development of eco-friendly alternatives, and the proposed nanocomposites offer a promising solution. The fabrication process involved melt blending of PLA, starch, and GNP using Haake Twin Screw Extruder Melt Intercalation Method. The nanocomposites were prepared with varying ratios of PLA, starch, and GNP to examine their impact on the final properties. Morphological and structural characterization was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), material characterization was conducted using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal properties examine by using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and mechanical analysis is conducted by using tensile testing method. Results indicate that the inclusion of GNP in the PLA/starch matrix enhances the mechanical properties. GNP improves the interfacial interactions among PLA, starch, and GNP, leading to improved dispersion and compatibility. Furthermore, GNP acts as a reinforcing agent, enhancing the stiffness and strength of the nanocomposites. Mechanical studies demonstrate that the PLA/starch/GNP nanocomposites is a stronger material compared to pure PLA. The presence of starch and GNP promotes hydrolysis, resulting in increased mechanical strength. The degradation products were analysed to elucidate the mechanical mechanisms. Therefore, the developed PLA/starch/GNP nanocomposites exhibit improved mechanical properties and hold promise as environmentally friendly materials. This study provides valuable insights into their fabrication, characterization, and mechanical properties, opening avenues for potential applications in packaging, biomedical devices, and agriculture. The findings contribute to the ongoing efforts to address the global challenge of reducing non-biodegradable waste through the utilization of biodegradable nanocomposite materials with strong mechanical properties. Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology Dissertations Universities and colleges Dissertations Theses Dissertations https://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/47053 lcc PSM 0 0 lcc 0 0 10000 10000 2026-06-23 0 FTKKP .C486 2024 r Bc. T000004162 2026-06-23 15:44:49 2026-06-23 PSM 105021 105027