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Poly(lactic acid)/natural rubber/cellulose nanocrystal bionanocomposites. Part II: properties evaluation
Natacha Bitinis1, Elena Fortunati, Raquel Verdejo
1Institute of Polymer Science and Technology, ICTP-CSIC, C/ Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
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 3 wt.% of cellulose nanocrystals. Moreover, the disintegration study confirmed that the materials completely disintegrated after one month in compost.
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