Multifunctionality of foamed poly(lactid acid) and its composites with nanofillers

Polymers derived from renewable resources focus increasingly on an interest of research institutes and industry. Replacement of traditional materials by biodegradable polymers brings about the fossil resources savings and helps solving problems related to the plastic packaging waste. Polylactide (PLA) is the most important biodegradable polyester of good mechanical properties, high transparency, and good processability. However, PLA is still more expensive than conventional plastics, moreover its biodegradation rate is moderate. Recent innovations open new fields of PLA application by means of novel nanocomposites and processing technology that provide new properties. In this article, polymeric materials of various functionalities have been presented, in particular PLA‐based functional nanocomposites (with increased barrier properties, electroconductive, or thermosensitive materials) of PLA and cellular PLA. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1647–1652, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers