Review on polylactic acid and Polycaprolactone composites with Carbon-Based reinforcements: CNTs and GNPs integration

Abstract

Poly(lactic acid)/Polycaprolactone (PLA/PCL) blend-based nanocomposites reinforced with carbon-based fillers that are both biocompatible and biodegradable have received considerable attention for numerous applications. Their exceptional electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties, along with their low toxicity, low cost, and renewability, have sparked substantial research to assess their potential as polymer composites. In this work, we provided an overview of the recent progress on the current trends of employing carbon-based nanofillers in PLA/PCL blends. The properties of these individual polymers and the blending of PCL with PLA enhance the properties of the polymer structure are mentioned first. Then, the comprehensive review particularly focuses on the addition of the most commonly used carbon-based nanofillers such as graphene nanoplateles (GNPs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into PLA/PCL blends, and its effect on the composite performance is also discussed. In conclusion, the potential applications to develop PLA/PCL biocomposites with the impact of emphasis on carbon-based filler are also presented and future expectations are summarized. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.