Effect of Polyethylene Glycol in Nanocellulose/PLA Composites

Abstract:

Poly (lactic acid) or PLA was reinforced by nanocellulose and polyethylene glycol (PEG), which were introduced into PLA matrix from 0 to 3 wt.% to enhance compatibility and strength of the PLA. The nanocellulose was prepared by TEMPO-mediated oxidation from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) powder and characterized by TEM, AFM, and XRD to reveal rod-like shaped nanocellulose with nanosized dimensions, high aspect ratio and high crystallinity. Films of nanocellulose/PEG/PLA nanocomposites were prepared by solvent casting method to evaluate the mechanical performance. It was found that the addition of PEG in nanocellulose-containing PLA films resulted in an increase in tensile modulus with only 1 wt% of PEG, where higher PEG concentrations negatively impacted the tensile strength. Furthermore, the tensile strength and modulus of nanocellulose/PEG/PLA nanocomposites were higher than the PLA/PEG composites due to the existence of nanocellulose chains. Visual traces of crazing were detailed to describe the deformation mechanism.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 821)
• Pages: 89-95
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.821.89
• Online since: September 2019
• Authors: Wanasorn Somphol, Thipjak Na Lampang, Paweena Prapainainar, Pongdhorn Sae-Oui, Surapich Loykulnant, Anusorn Seubsai, Peerapan Dittanet*
• Keywords: Nanocellulose, Nanocomposite, Poly(Ethylene Glycol), Poly(Lactic Acid), TEMPO-Mediated Oxidation

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