• Structure and dynamics of bio-degradable polymer

• Compatibility issues of polymer blends in recycling

• Property enhancement for recycled polymer

A. Rheological Properties and Polymer Dynamics of PLA-Polymer Nanocomposites 

Polylactic-acid (PLA) is the most representative biopolymer, which is expected to be a sustainable polymer in the future based on its biodegradability and biocompatibility. It is necessary to utilize PLA more effectively in the industrial field and creating PLA nanocomposites by incorporating nanoparticles (NPs) can be a good way to improve various properties.

The property enhancement originates from the interfacial layer formed by polymer adsorption to the NPs based on particle-polymer interactions. Therefore, it is very essential to analyze polymer dynamics and microstructures and identify the correlation between them and their properties. We aim to investigate the relationship between the properties of PLA nanocomposites by analyzing the microstructure and polymer dynamics of interfacial layer according to the incorporation of NPs through various ways for PLA nanocomposites under various conditions. In addition, we are interested in the changes in biodegradability and its mechanisms following the incorporation of NPs.

B. Lignin based Polymer Nanocomposites 

Lignin is a biodegradable organic polymer, second abundant material after cellulose in most plants. While it has been considered as a by-product from pulping process, often disposed or incinerated for heat generation, there has been growing interests in academia and industry.

Recent research suggests diverse applications of lignin that focus on enhancing material properties and endowing potential functionalities through the utilization of lignin nanoparticle (LNP) in polymer nanocomposites (PNCs).

We have investigated the impact of LNP on the microstructure and properties of PNCs. Specifically, we are interested in how LNP effects on the dynamics and rheological, thermal properties of PNC system.