Preparation and Characterization of Jute Cellulose Crystals-Reinforced Poly(L-lactic acid) Biocomposite for Biomedical Applications

Mohammed Mizanur Rahman,Papia Haque,Md Abdul Gafur,Mohammed Shahidul Islam,Md Minhajul Islam,Sanjida Afrin

doi:10.1155/2014/842147

Mohammed Mizanur Rahman, Papia Haque + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/842147

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Abstract

Crystalline cellulose was extracted from jute by hydrolysis with 40% H2SO4to get mixture of micro/nanocrystals. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed the microcrystalline structure of cellulose and XRD indicated the Iβpolymorph of cellulose. Biodegradable composites were prepared using crystalline cellulose (CC) of jute as the reinforcement (3–15%) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a matrix by extrusion and hot press method. CC was cellulose derived from mercerized and bleached jute fiber by acid hydrolysis to remove the amorphous regions. FT-IR studies showed hydrogen bonding between the CC and the PLA matrix. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies showed that the percentage crystallinity of PLA in composites was found to be higher than that of neat PLA as a result of the nucleating ability of the crystalline cellulose. Furthermore, Vicker hardness and yield strength were found to increase with increasing cellulose content in the composite. The SEM images of the fracture surfaces of the composites were indicative of poor adhesion between the CC and the PLA matrix. The composite with 15% CC showed antibacterial effect though pure films but had no antimicrobial effect; on the other hand its cytotoxicity in biological medium was found to be medium which might be suitable for its potential biomedical applications.

Highlights

Considering the huge benefits of environmentally friendly materials, the use of natural/biofiber reinforced composites has rapidly expanded due to the availability of such renewable resources, for use as reinforcing composites with other synthetic and biodegradable polymer matrices [1, 2]
Microand nanocrystalline cellulose extraction procedure from jute consists of washing, lignin removal, bleaching, and acid hydrolysis
When cellulosic fiber is treated with NaOH, it changes the fine structure of the native cellulose I to cellulose II by a process known as mercerization [16]

Summary

Introduction

Considering the huge benefits of environmentally friendly materials, the use of natural/biofiber reinforced composites has rapidly expanded due to the availability of such renewable resources, for use as reinforcing composites with other synthetic and biodegradable polymer matrices (biocomposite) [1, 2]. The low cost and high specific properties of these natural fibers provide significant performance with advantages and economic benefits when combined with biodegradable polymers [1]. Native cellulose is one of the strongest and stiffest natural fibers available; the theoretical modulus is estimated at 167.5 GPa [4], and it has a high potential to act as reinforcing agent in biopolymers. CC has the advantage of high specific surface area compared to other conventional cellulose fibers [5]. Biocompatible materials involving biopolymers, such as collagen and poly(lactic acid) (PLA), are the most widely studied materials for the regeneration of damaged

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