Comparing the mechanical properties of high performances polymer nanocomposites from biological sources

There are numerous examples where animals or plants synthesize extracellular high-performance skeletal biocomposites consisting of a matrix reinforced by fibrous biopolymers. Cellulose and chitin are classical examples of these reinforcing elements, which occur as whisker-like microfibrils that are biosynthesized and deposited in a continuous fashion. In many cases, this mode of biogenesis leads to crystalline microfibrils that are almost defect-free, with the consequence of axial physical properties approaching those of perfect crystals. Starch is another example of natural semicrystalline polymer that is produced by many plants and occurs as microscopic granules. It acts as a storage polymer in cereals and tubers. These abundant and natural polymers can be used to create high performance nanocomposites presenting outstanding properties. Aqueous suspensions of crystallites can be prepared by acid hydrolysis of the purified substrates. The object of this treatment is to dissolve away regions of low lateral order so that the water-insoluble, highly crystalline residue may be converted into a stable suspension by subsequent vigorous mechanical shearing action. For cellulose and chitin, these monocrystals appear as rod-like nanoparticles which dimensions depend on the biological source of the substrate. In the case of starch they consist of platelet-like nanoparticles. High reinforcing capability was reported resulting from the intrinsic chemical nature of these polymers and from their hierarchical structure. During the last decade, many works have been devoted to mimic biocomposites by blending cellulose whiskers from different sources with polymer matrices.