In this study, the biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were successfully prepared by the solution
mixing process of PLA polymer with organically-modified montmorillonite (m-MMT), which was first treated by n-hexadecyl trimethylammonium
bromide (CTAB) cations and then modified by biocompatible/biodegradable chitosan to improve the chemical similarity between
the PLA and m-MMT. Both X-ray diffraction data and transmission electron microscopy images of PLA/m-MMT nanocomposites indicate
that most of the swellable silicate layers were disorderedly intercalated into the PLA matrix. Mechanical properties and thermal stability of
the PLA/m-MMT nanocomposites performed by dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis have significant improvements
in the storage modulus and 50% loss in temperature when compared to that of neat PLA matrix. The degradation rates of PLA/m-MMT
nanocomposites are also discussed in this study.