Abstract
The addition of surface-modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to polymeric matrices can lead to an enhancement of the mechanical and optical properties of host polymers. The use of surfactants can provide an easy and effective way to change the CNC functionality and to evaluate the effects of surface chemistry in the reinforcement mechanisms. In this work, CNCs were solution blended with polylactic acid (PLA) and melt extruded into films. The PLA toughness increased from 1.70 MJ/m3to 2.74 MJ/m3, a 61% increase, with the addition of 1% of decylamine-modified CNCs without a decrease of the tensile strength or modulus. In this work, we investigated the use of two surfactants, decylamine and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, to enhance CNC compatibility with the hydrophobic PLA matrix. Decylamine at 1.0 wt.% with respect to CNC loading was found to significantly enhance CNC compatibility and property enhancement. The low concentration of surfactant is notable, as other works typically use significantly higher loadings for CNC incorporation and property enhancement. At high CNC concentrations, mechanical properties decreased but the aligned assembly of the CNCs provided intricate colors to the films when observed between crossed polars. The alignment and nanoscale structure of CNCs within the films play an important role in the properties obtained.
Highlights
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a well-known biodegradable polymer that has potential to serve as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived plastics and is one of the most widely used biopolymers on the market [1]
We explore decylamine (DA) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) for solution compatibilization within PLA-CNC film nanocomposites
The toughness of the PLA composites was enhanced by 61% compared to that of neat PLA when using 1% of DA-modified CNCs without detriment to the tensile strength or modulus
Summary
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a well-known biodegradable polymer that has potential to serve as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived plastics and is one of the most widely used biopolymers on the market [1]. PLA is synthesized from lactic acid made from corn starch or sugar cane [3], and the production requires 25–55% less energy than petroleumbased polymers due to its relatively lower melting point (Tm) [4, 5], reducing the net CO2 emission to the environment [6, 7]. PLA has received much research attention in the last two decades due to its high tensile properties, transparency, and low toxicity. The brittleness and low vapor and gas barrier properties of PLA are potential limitations in extending its applications, representing areas of current development [1]
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