PLA film incorporated with amino functionalized graphene and their characterization

Polymer Technology

Polylactic acid (PLA) films incorporating amine-functionalized graphene (AFG) were fabricated using the solution casting method to enhance their structural, thermal, and antimicrobial properties. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful integration of AFG into the PLA matrix, while XRD patterns indicated a semicrystalline nature with characteristic peaks for both PLA and AFG. TGA and DSC analyses demonstrated improved thermal stability, with AFG-PLA films exhibiting a higher glass transition temperature (62°C) and enhanced degradation resistance up to 325°C. DMA analysis revealed increased damping properties, indicating better thermo-mechanical performance. Antimicrobial evaluation showed significant activity against various bacterial strains, with MIC values as low as <0.01 µg/mL for Pseudomonas syringae. These findings suggest that AFG incorporation enhances PLA films' structural integrity, thermal stability, and antimicrobial efficacy, making them suitable for advanced biomedical and packaging applications.

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