Abstract: Poly(lactic acid)(PLA)/clay nanocomposites were prepared using multi-functional epoxy compound as a chain extender. The chain extender obviously affected the rheological properties and crystallization behaviors and thus the foam-ability of the nanocomposites. The melt elasticity was increased with increasing content of chain extender. The crystallization nucleation sites were increased with the addition of clay and chain extender. Subsequently, chain extended PLA/clay nanocomposites were foamed with supercritical CO2. The cell structure, cellular size, and cellular density was investigated.

Key words: poly (lactic acid), nanoclay, chain extender, composite, foaming