Abstract
This work investigated the combined effects of CNF nucleation (3 wt.%) and PLA-g-MA compatibilization at different loadings (1–4 wt.%) on the crystallization kinetics and mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA). A crystallization kinetics study was done through isothermal and non-isothermal crystallization kinetics using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis. It was shown that PLA-g-MA had some effect on nucleation as exhibited by the value of crystallization half time and crystallization rate of the PLA/PLA-g-MA, which were increased by 180% and 172%, respectively, as compared to neat PLA when isothermally melt crystallized at 100 °C. Nevertheless, the presence of PLA-g-MA in PLA/PLA-g-MA/CNF3 nanocomposites did not improve the crystallization rate compared to that of uncompatibilized PLA/CNF3. Tensile strength was reduced with the increased amount of PLA-g-MA. Contrarily, Young’s modulus values showed drastic increment compared to the neat PLA, showing that the addition of the PLA-g-MA contributed to the rigidity of the PLA nanocomposites. Overall, it can be concluded that PLA/CNF nanocomposite has good performance, whereby the addition of PLA-g-MA in PLA/CNF may not be necessary for improving both the crystallization kinetics and tensile strength. The addition of PLA-g-MA may be needed to produce rigid nanocomposites; nevertheless, in this case, the crystallization rate of the material needs to be compromised.
Highlights
Most items in the market are packed for various purposes such as protection, storage, preservation, transportation and presentation
The influence of polylactic acid (PLA)-g-maleic anyhydride (MA) on nucleating effect of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) was determined by studying the effect of various PLA-g-MA wt.% addition on the crystallization kinetics of PLA/PLAg-MA/CNF3
Data from isothermal crystallization kinetic study at Tc = 100 ◦C showed that the crystallization rate increased from 0.011 to 0.030 min−1 as compared to the neat PLA
Summary
Most items in the market are packed for various purposes such as protection, storage, preservation, transportation and presentation. Polymers 2021, 13, 3226 owing to its non-polar nature resulting in poor nanofiller dispersion, insufficient adhesion and reduced its properties This creates a major drawback for PLA nanocomposites because they are unable to achieve their maximum performance ability. We study the PLA nanocomposites blended with 3 wt.% of CNF with the addition of PLA-g-MA as a compatibilizer It is evident from the literature review that no research has been conducted on the combination effects of nucleation and compatibilization between CNF and PLA-g-MA and their correlation to improve the crystallization and mechanical properties of PLA. In this study we intend to enhance the crystallization and compatibility of nanocomposites through the combination effects of CNF nucleation and PLA-g-MA compatibilization to increase the crystallization rate and to optimize the interfacial interaction between PLA and CNF to improve the mechanical performances
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
