Poly(lactic acid)/natural rubber/cellulose nanocrystal bionanocomposites. Part II: Properties evaluation

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers Vol. 96; no. 2; pp. 621 - 627
• Main Authors: Bitinis, Natacha, Fortunati, Elena, Verdejo, Raquel, Bras, Julien, Kenny, Jose Maria, Torre, Luigi, López-Manchado, Miguel Angel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 25.07.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Biodegradation; Biodegradation, Environmental; Bionanocomposite; cellulose; Cellulose - chemistry; Cellulose nanocrystal; Composites; composts; Crystallization; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Lactic Acid - chemistry; Mechanical properties; nanocrystals; Nanoparticles - chemistry; Poly(lactic acid); Polyesters; polylactic acid; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymers - chemistry; rubber; Rubber - chemistry; Technology of polymers; Tensile Strength; Biodegradation; Mechanical properties; Cellulose nanocrystal; Poly(lactic acid); Bionanocomposite; Crystallization; Biological properties; Biodegradability; Lactic acid copolymer; Cellulose; Heterogeneous mixture; Transformation temperature; Nanocomposite; Nanocrystal; Compost; Polymer blends; Natural rubber; Experimental study; Cellulose graft copolymer; Lactic acid polymer; Dynamic mechanical properties; Cellulose derivatives; Concentration effect; Filler; Comparative study
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.03.091

•The localization of the nanocrystals in the blend was controlled as a function of their modification.•The location and affinity of the fillers play a vital role on the composite properties.•“Taylor-made” properties were obtained by choosing the processing and chemical modification.•The nanomaterials completely disintegrated after one month in compost. The crystallization, mechanical and biodegradation properties of poly(lactic acid)/natural rubber/cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) bionanocomposites were evaluated. Three types of CNC were used in this study, one unmodified (CNC), long alkyl chain grafted CNC (C18-g-CNC) and PLA grafted CNC (PLA-g-CNC). The CNC modifications determined the affinity of the nanocrystals toward the polymers and reflected on the ultimate properties. Interestingly, PLA-g-CNC acted as a nucleating agent for the PLA matrix in the bio-based PLA/NR blend. Good mechanical properties were reported, as the bionanocomposites maintained a high elongation at break for a concentration up to 3wt.% of cellulose nanocrystals. Moreover, the disintegration study confirmed that the materials completely disintegrated after one month in compost.