synthesize PLA, the preparation of PLA nanocomposites, the effect of clay on the mechanical
and barrier properties of the resulting nanocomposites and the degradation mechanisms of PLA.
The objectives of this work are presented in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 briefly explains the
organization of the two papers reported in this thesis (Chapters 5 and 6).
In Chapter 5, the effect of different chain extenders on controlling the degradation of the PLA
nanocomposites, the molecular structure and thermo-physical properties is investigated using
rheometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), FT-IR spectroscopy, and gel permeation
chromatography (GPC). The morphological, mechanical, and barrier properties of PLA and
Joncryl-based nanocomposites prepared by different strategies are discussed in Chapter 6. In
Chapter 7, a general discussion includes a full review regarding the most important factors
affecting the preparation and properties of the resulting PLA nanocomposites. Finally, Chapter 8
summarizes the most important conclusions of this thesis and outlines some recommendations for
future work in this field