Morphological, thermal, and thermomechanical properties of cellulose nanocrystals reinforced polylactide/poly [(butylene succinate)-co-adipate] blend composite foams

Mpho Phillip Motloung,Suprakas Sinha Ray,Simphiwe Zungu,Jayita Bandyopadhyay,Vincent Ojijo

doi:10.1186/s42252-020-00011-z

Mpho Phillip Motloung, Suprakas Sinha Ray + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s42252-020-00011-z

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Abstract

This study examines the influence of cellulose nanocrystal (CN) particles on the morphological, thermal, and thermo-mechanical properties of polylactide (PLA)/poly [(butylene succinate)-co-adipate] (PBSA) blend foams prepared by casting and particulate leaching method using fructose as porogen particles. The morphological analysis showed an interconnected open-cell structure, with porosity above 80%. The crystallinity of the prepared foams was disrupted by the inclusion of CN particles as observed from XRD analyses, which showed a decrease in PLA crystal peak intensity. With regards to neat blend foam, the onset thermal degradation increased with the addition of CN particles, which also increased the thermal stability at 50% weight loss. Furthermore, CN acted as a reinforcing agent in improving the stiffness of the prepared blend foam. Overall, completely environmentally friendly foams were successfully prepared, as a potential material that can replace the current existing foam materials that pose many environmental concerns. However, there is a need to develop an environmentally friendly processing technique.

Highlights

Since their discovery in the 1930s, polymer foams became important for various applications including packaging because of their light-weight, low density, and low material usage during their preparation compared to unfoamed polymers
The influence of chloroform on the structure of neat matrices was examined, and the results indicated no effect on their chemical structures (Figure S2, Supporting Information)
The characteristic peaks associated with cellulose nanocrystal (CN) were not noticed in the nanocomposite foams because of the encapsulation of CN within polymer matrices

Summary

Introduction

Since their discovery in the 1930s, polymer foams became important for various applications including packaging because of their light-weight, low density, and low material usage during their preparation compared to unfoamed polymers. PBSA is a biodegradable polymer, which has outstanding properties, including high thermal stability and high impact strength compared to PLA. The incorporation of fillers in CPL is expected to reinforce and improve certain foam properties and not influence the cell morphology.

Results

Conclusion