Lahouari Mrah, Zoulikha Khiati
Abstract The work carried out in this study focuses on the effect of combining different types of MMT-org organophilic clays with epoxy-functionalized graphene (Gr) on the overall functional properties of biodegradable poly (ɛ-caprolactone) matrices. This approach involves combining epoxy-functionalized grapheme (Gr) with organophilic clay (Mag-Org). The PCL matrix and its nanocomposites were elaborated by extrusion-injection on a twin-screw micro-extruder. A mass composition of 3 % of each nanofiller was chosen for the implementation of binary nanocomposites (PCL/Mag-Org and PCL/Gr) and ternary mixtures PCL/Mag-Org/Gr. This methodology improves the dispersion of nanofillers and makes a significant contribution to the field of polymer composite materials science. TEM images show enhanced dispersion and exfoliation of two nanofillers in the nanobiocomposites, attributed to repulsive and attractive interactions. The microstructure of the materials increased their water vapour permeability. The PCL/organomontmorillonite/graphene systems in particular exhibited very high performance parameters in terms of elastic modulus (G′), especially in the case of PCL/Mag-TBA/Gr nanobiocomposites. Very interesting viscoelastic properties were obtained after incorporation of Mag-Org/Gr mixtures, indicating the existence of a good level of reinforcement distribution in the PCL matrix. The synergy between MMT-Organophilic nanofillers and epoxy-functionalized graphene has led to improvements in the matrix’s barrier properties, thermal stability and miscibility.