Abstract
Cellulose nanowhiskers were used to improve the performance of poly (lactic acid) (PLA). The nanocomposites mixed with three different molecular weight of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) were characterized by mechanical testing, thermal gravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry. The tensile test showed an increase in tensile strength and elongation at break with the addition of PEG to PLA/CNW nanocomposites, the thermal analysis results showed an increase of crystallization temperature (T c) and crystallization compatibility (larger crystallization and melting areas), which indicated that the cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW) and PEG or CNW alone should not be considered as nucleating agents for the PLA matrix; The CNW was homo-dispersed which contributed to decreasing mobility of polymer chain segments. The compatibility between hydrophobic PLA matrix and the hydrophilic CNW was improved by the addition of different molecular weight polymeric-PEG. The thermo gravimetric analysis indicated that the thermal stability of the different composites were reflected well in the region between 25 °C and 245 oC. The structure of the PLA/CNW/PEG composites was characterized by AFM, which showed that the CNW dispersed in the PLA matrix evenly.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
