Thermomechanical Characterization of Polylactic Acid and Composites

This paper presents the experimental tests for the thermomechanical characterization of biopolymer polylactic acid, and its composites with beech flour or with nanoreiforcement of modified montmorillonite, in order to evaluate any applicability in the automotive sector. Tests of torque and traction are executed for the mechanical characterization and the results comparison; dynamical tests are executed for the thermomechanical characterization, determining the elastic modulus and loss factor versus the actual temperature.