Biodegradable polymer composites containing cellulose nanocrystals: preparation and property characterization

M. PRACELLA; M. M. HAQUE; D. PUGLIA; L.B.MANFREDI; V. P. CYRAS; L. LUDUEÑA

Lisbona

Conferencia; 18th International Conference on Composite Structures; 2015

Homogeneous dispersion of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) in polymer matrices is difficult to achieve by means of traditional melt processing techniques owing to the high tendency of CNC to form aggregates. Proper dispersion and distribution of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix are the prerequisite for obtaining polymer nanocomposites with improved physical and mechanical properties. In order to increase the dispersion of cellulose nanoparticles in non-aqueous polymer solution or suspension, several strategies have been adopted including the use of surfactants and chemical modification of the particle surface. In this communication we report on the preparation, functionalisation and characterization of various nanocomposites with biodegradable polyester matrix ? such as polylactide (PLA), polyhydroxyalcanoates (PHB, PHBV) and polybutilensuccinate (PBS)- obtained by dispersion of CNC in PVAc acqueous emulsion (or PEG solution) as well as by mixing in organic solvents, followed by melt blending with bulk polyesters. Owing to the miscibility of the components and the biodegradability of their blends, the nanocomposites are expected to display a wideapplication potential asecocompatible systems with tunable properties. Cellulose nanofibres were prepared by acid hydrolysis of commercial microcrystalline cellulose. CNC was functionalized with glycidyl methacrylate (CNC-GMA) and grafting percentage was determined by FT-IR analysis.