High-Performance Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Biodegradable Polymer Composites for Packaging

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 02 | Page : 183 194
    By

    Chandra Shekhar Verma,

  • Renu Dhetarwal,

  • Mohammed Tajammul Hussain,

  • Mohammed Faisal Ahmed,

  • Naresh Kumar Sharma,

  1. Deputy Director, Regulation Bureau, Nelson Mandela Marg, New Delhi, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Government Lohia College, Churu, Rajasthan, India
  3. Subject Matter Expert, Center of Innovation Division, Saudi Polymers Company, Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia
  4. Engineer, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, National Blue Company, Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, Government PG College Bundi, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

The growing issues concerning the properties of petroleum-based plastics on the environment increased the demand for biodegradable alternatives and polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most promising options available. However, its poor toughness, thermal resistance, and barrier properties limit broader applications in sustainable packaging. This study reports the fabrication and characterization of PLA-based nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at varying loadings (0.1-2 wt.%). Structural analysis (FTIR, XRD) confirmed strong interfacial interactions and increased crystallinity, while FESEM revealed homogeneous dispersion up to 1 wt.% CNTs. Mechanical testing demonstrated a tensile strength enhancement of over 40% at 1 wt.% CNTs, with corresponding improvements in modulus and impact strength. Thermal analysis (DSC, TGA) indicated higher glass transition and degradation temperatures, confirming improved stability. The barrier property test demonstrated this trend dramatically by providing substantial decreases in oxygen and water vapor transmission rates, reflecting CNTs’ ability to provide torturous diffusion paths. The tests in composting confirmed that the composites were biodegradable, although they exhibited slightly reduced degradation kinetics compared to neat PLA. All in all, CNTs reinforcement improved the mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of PLA without compromising compostability, making them competitive candidates for future eco-friendly packaging.

Keywords: Biodegradable polymers, Polylactic acid (PLA), Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), Nanocomposites, Mechanical properties.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer & Composites ]

How to cite this article:
Chandra Shekhar Verma, Renu Dhetarwal, Mohammed Tajammul Hussain, Mohammed Faisal Ahmed, Naresh Kumar Sharma. High-Performance Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Biodegradable Polymer Composites for Packaging. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):183-194.
How to cite this URL:
Chandra Shekhar Verma, Renu Dhetarwal, Mohammed Tajammul Hussain, Mohammed Faisal Ahmed, Naresh Kumar Sharma. High-Performance Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Biodegradable Polymer Composites for Packaging. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):183-194. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=240102


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Issue 02
Received 31/01/2026
Accepted 10/02/2026
Published 14/04/2026
Publication Time 73 Days
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