title: Poly(lactic acid)/natural rubber/cellulose nanocrystal bionanocomposites. Part II: properties evaluation.
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.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Polymer Science and Technology, ICTP-CSIC, C/ Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Natacha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bitinis
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fortunati
authors.forename: Raquel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Verdejo
authors.forename: Julien
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bras
authors.forename: Jose Maria
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Kenny
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Torre
authors.forename: Miguel Angel
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: López-Manchado
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D002482:Cellulose / Q000737:chemistry*; D003460:Crystallization; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D012408:Rubber / Q000737:chemistry*; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide); D002482:Cellulose; D012408:Rubber