Abstract
PLLA-modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were produced from commercial CNC by tin-catalyzed polymerization of lactide in presence of CNC. FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated that the result of the reaction produced the grafting of PLLA chains onto CNC surface (CNC-g-PLLA). Films of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and PLA/CNC nanocomposites (with non-modified CNC and CNC-g-PLLA) containing 0.5% and 5% (w/w) of the nanofillers were prepared by casting in chloroform solution and the crystallization behavior and thermal properties investigated. All nano-composites had similar thermal stability when analyzed by TGA analyses under an inert nitrogen atmosphere. Addition of both types of CNC influenced crystallization, the higher crystallization rate being observed for 5% (w/w) CNC. Nanocomposites with 5% (w/w) CNC-g-PLLA had the strain resistance of PLA improved in the rubbery state. PLLA-modification of CNC surface increased the crystallization of PLA in PLA/CNC nanocomposites and improved the rigidity at temperatures above the glass transition, properties which are desirable for hot drinking application.
Highlights
Accumulation of plastic objects and particles as plastic bottles, bags and microbeads in the Earth’s environment has adversely affected wildlife habitat and humans
We report the crystallization and thermal behavior of PLLA-grafting celullose nanocrystals (CNC) synthesized by in-situ polymerization of L-lactide with the presence of CNC as well as poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/CNC nanocomposites films prepared by Solution Casting Technique
Modification of commercial cellulose nanocrystals was performed by tin-catalyzed polymerization of lactide in presence of CNC, producing CNCg-PLLA which was used to prepare PLA/CNC nanocomposite films
Summary
Accumulation of plastic objects and particles as plastic bottles, bags and microbeads in the Earth’s environment has adversely affected wildlife habitat and humans. Cellulose-based materials are interesting biodegradable fillers and have shown to be able to improve the properties of PLA by affecting the crystallinity, and mechanical and thermal properties [3] [4] In this sense, in films for packaging applications, nanosized cellulose like celullose nanocrystals (CNC) can be an interesting option since improvement of PLA mechanical properties can be reached at low filler content [5] [6] [7] [8]. A good way to make compatible CNC with PLA is to graft PLA chains on CNC surface, considering that this CNC surface modification can, in principle, increase the interaction between the filler and the matrix. Such a kind of composite can potentially result in 100% compostable materials [9]. The effect of reaction conditions on these properties of CNC-PLLA nanomaterials is reported
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
