Self-reinforced poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites with integrated bacterial cellulose and its surface modification

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibers, with and without silane surface modification, were incorporated into self-reinforced poly(lactic acid) (SR-PLA) nanocomposites at 1 and 10 wt%. Disintegrated BC was combined with electrospun PLA fiber mats by film stacking and compression molding at 165 °C for 40 sec to obtain SR-PLA/BC hybrid films. The effect of nanocellulose addition and its surface modification on the structure, morphology, and properties of the resulting composites were investigated. It was found that BC was a highly effective reinforcement for SR-PLA nanocomposites, providing a noticeable increase in the film’s strength and modulus. Moreover, surface modification of BC was shown to further enhance the film performances due to an improved PLA/BC interfacial interaction. At an optimum BC content, these hybrid films also exhibited outstanding ductility and toughness. Water vapor barrier properties were also enhanced, especially when modified BC was integrated in the SR-PLA films.