Laura Sisti

In the field of nanocomposites our research is focused on the preparation of materials based on polyesters and organo modified hydrotalcites and montmorillonites. The dispersion of the inorganic fillers in the polymer matrix is obtained by direct synthesis or by mixing in the molten state with aBrabendermixer or a  co-rotating twin-screw extruders. The materials prepared are characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray.

 Within the framework of composite materials research is focused on the preparation of materials based on biopolymers and lignocellulosic fibers such as coconut fiber, sugarcane bagasse, sisal, curauá and hemp. Features such as the adhesion at the interface, impact resistance and elastic modulus, are optimized without chemically alter the fibers but developing treatments completely "bio", such as enzymatic treatments and plasma treatments. The materials prepared are characterized from the mechanical, thermal and morphologicalpoint of view.