pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S02 - Bio-based and Biodegradable Polymers
Oral Presentation
 
 

Structure and properties of poly (lactic acid)/poly (ԑ-caprolactone) blends containing cellulose nanocrystals-The influence of filler concentration on thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties

Motloung Mpho Phillip (1)*, Ojijo Vincent (2), Bandyopadhyay Jayita (2), Sinha Roy Suprakas (1)

(1) CSIR, University of Johannesburg - Gauteng - SouthAfrica, (2) CSIR - Gauteng - SouthAfrica

In this work, the influence of cellulose nanocrystal (CN) loading on the properties of polylactide/poly(ԑ-caprolactone) (PLA/PCL) (70/30) blend was examined. The morphology analysis showed a reduced droplet size of a dispersed PCL, at low CN concentrations (1 and 2 wt.%), which led to a maximum improvement in mechanical properties. The reinforcing effect of CN was confirmed by DMA analysis which showed an increase in storage modulus of nanocomposites with increasing the filler content. Moreover, the inclusion of CN particles enhanced the crystallization of minor PCL in the blend, whereas the cold crystallization of PLA was not affected by the CN particles. The rheological analysis showed enhanced melt strength and viscosity of PLA when both PCL and CN were added. Overall, environmentally friendly nanocomposite reinforced with natural filler material were successfully prepared.