Behavior of polylactide/microcrystalline cellulose biocomposites: effects of filler content and interfacial compatibilization

DOĞU B., KAYNAK C.

CELLULOSE, vol.23, no.1, pp.611-622, 2016 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 23 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2016
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s10570-015-0839-0
  • Journal Name: CELLULOSE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.611-622
  • Keywords: Polylactide, Microcrystalline cellulose, Maleic anhydride, Interfacial compatibilization, MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES, POLY(LACTIC ACID), POLYLACTIC ACID, GREEN COMPOSITES, MALEIC-ANHYDRIDE, WATER-ABSORPTION, KENAF FIBERS, PLA, TOUGHNESS, IMPROVE
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) content on the properties of polylactide (PLA) biocomposites; including the influences of maleic anhydride (MA) grafted PLA copolymer compatibilization. PLA/MCC biocomposites were produced by industrially compatible production techniques, i.e. twin-screw extrusion melt-mixing for compounding and injection molding for shaping of bulk specimens. SEM analysis and mechanical tests indicated that use of 3 wt% MCC resulted in very uniform distribution and consequently improved properties especially in terms of ductility and toughness. For instance, compared to neat PLA, the increases in the values of % strain at break and fracture toughness were 78 and 31 %, respectively. After MA compatibilization, these increases became as much as 82 and 55 %, respectively. Moreover, DSC and TGA indicated that use of MCC resulted in no significant changes in the transition temperatures and thermal degradation temperatures of PLA.