Review of Recent Advances in Polylactic Acid/TiO(2) Composites

Polylactic acid/titanium oxide (PLA/TiO(2)) composites as multifunctional materials have been studied extensively by couple of research groups owing to their outstanding mechanical, thermal, photocatalytic, and antimicrobial properties. This review describes the experimental approaches used to improve the compatibility of PLA/TiO(2) composites. The mechanical, thermal, photocatalytic, and antimicrobial properties of PLA/TiO(2) composites are discussed. The potential applications arising from the structural and functional properties of PLA/TiO(2) composites were also reviewed. Finally, it is concluded that a deep understanding of the impacts of TiO(2) filler with available improvement approaches in the dispersibility of this filler in the PLA matrix would be the key for the effective usage of PLA/TiO(2) composites and to expand their suitability with worldwide application requirements.