Multifunctional PLA–PHB/cellulose nanocrystal films: Processing, structural and thermal properties

Arrieta Marina Patricia, Fortunati Elena, Dominici F., Rayón Encinas Emilio, López Martínez Juan, J.M. Kenny

2014

Carbohydrate Polymers

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) synthesized from microcrystalline cellulose by acid hydrolysis were addedinto poly(lactic acid)–poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PLA–PHB) blends to improve the final properties of themultifunctional systems. CNC were also modified with a surfactant (CNCs) to increase the interfacialadhesion in the systems maintaining the thermal stability. Firstly, masterbatch pellets were obtainedfor each formulation to improve the dispersion of the cellulose structures in the PLA–PHB and thennanocomposite films were processed. The thermal stability as well as the morphological and structuralproperties of nanocomposites was investigated. While PHB increased the PLA crystallinity due to itsnucleation effect, well dispersed CNC and CNCs not only increased the crystallinity but also improved theprocessability, the thermal stability and the interaction between both polymers especially in the case ofthe modified CNCs based PLA–PHB formulation. Likewise, CNCs were better dispersed in PLA-CNCs andPLA–PHB–CNCs, than CNC