Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effect of the addition of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) fillers on the performance of poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Modification of the hydroxyl group of cellulose to the acyl group by acid anhydrides changed the compatibility of the CNF with PLA. CNF was modified by acetic anhydride, propionic anhydride, and butyric anhydride to form surface-modified acetylated CNF (CNFa), propionylated CNF (CNFp), and butyrylated CNF (CNFb), respectively, to improve the compatibility with the PLA matrix. The effects of the different acid anhydrides were compared based on their rates of reaction in the acylation process. PLA with modified cellulose nanofiber fillers formed smoother surfaces with better transparency, mechanical, and wettability properties compared with the PLA/CNF composite film. The effects of CNFa, CNFp, and CNFb on the PLA matrix were compared, and it was found that CNFp was the best filler for PLA.
Highlights
Bio-based polymers are attracting attention as an alternative to existing materials such as synthetic plastics and petroleum-based materials
Some plastics can be decomposed by combustion, such as polyhydroxyalkanoate, which is widely applied in tissue engineering applications, and poly(lactic acid) (PLA), which is produced by fermentation of corn or sugarcane [1,2]
We focused on the dispersibility and optical, physical, and hydrophobic properties of the PLA/m-cellulose nanofiber (CNF) composite films measured by ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, a haze meter, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile strength tests, and water contact angle (WCA) measurements
Summary
Bio-based polymers are attracting attention as an alternative to existing materials such as synthetic plastics and petroleum-based materials. The development of bio-based polymers is the main aspect of maintaining a sustainable society because of their renewability and biocompatibility, which is parallel with one of the 17 sustainable development goals. Some plastics can be decomposed by combustion, such as polyhydroxyalkanoate, which is widely applied in tissue engineering applications, and poly(lactic acid) (PLA), which is produced by fermentation of corn or sugarcane [1,2]. PLA has interesting features, such as good processability and transparency [3]. PLA is currently commercialized as single-use disposal packaging [4]. PLA has several drawbacks that limit its applications, such as low thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties [5]. A lot of research has been carried out to enhance and counter these drawbacks by preparing
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