Exploring the impact of Dy₂O₃ nanoparticles on the physical characteristics of poly(lactic acid) and polyhydroxyalkanoate composites

Researchers are trying to expand the efficiency and application of shape memory polymers by investigating different parameters on the matrix and additives. This study aims to enhance the physical characteristics by examining the addition of 5%, 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt.% metal oxide Dy₂O₃ nanoparticles into blended poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymer. The degree of crystallinity, chemical structure, thermal characteristics, magnetic behavior, surface morphology, and mechanical characterizations were studied using XRD, FTIR, DSC, TGA, VSM, SEM, and tensile test. This study identified that the use of Dy₂O₃ nanoparticles in the blend increased the glass transition and melting temperatures, while the enthalpy changes and specific heat capacity of the polymer nanocomposite stayed almost constant. The presence of new interfaces between Dy₂O₃ and the polymer chains was confirmed by FTIR analysis, and the dispersion of the NPs in the polymer matrix was confirmed by SEM analysis. TGA findings proved the enhancement of thermal stability with mass loss of less than 10% at temperatures below 150 ℃. Moreover, the magnetization vs magnetic strength exhibited the paramagnetic behavior of the blend and nanocomposites where the response to the external magnetic field has a direct correlation with the quantity of the additive nanoparticles in the polymer blend. The same improvement has been detected in the mechanical behavior. The elastic modulus of the nanocomposite increased and the samples with more embedded NPs recorded a higher maximum stress. The presence of Dy₂O₃ nanoparticles in PLA/PHA blends impacts the thermal and magnetic properties of the nanocomposite.