title: In-situ polymerized cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)-poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) nanomaterials and applications in nanocomposite processing.
abstract: CNC-PLLA nanomaterials were synthesized via in-situ ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide in the presence of CNC, resulting in hydrophobic, homogeneous mixture of PLLA-grafted-CNC and free PLLA homopolymer. The free PLLA serves two useful functions: as barrier to further prevent PLLA-g-CNC from forming aggregates, and in creating improved interfacial properties when these nanomaterials are blended with other polymers, hence enhancing their performance. CNC-PLLA nanomaterials can be used for medical or engineering applications as-they-are or by compounding with suitable biopolymers using versatile techniques, such as solution casting, co-extrusion or injection molding, to form hybrid nanocomposites of tunable mechanical properties. When compounded with commercial-grade PLA, the resulting CNC-PLA nanocomposites appear transparent and have tailored (dynamic and static) mechanical and barrier properties, approaching those of poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET. The effect of reaction conditions on the properties of CNC-PLLA nanomaterials have been carefully studied and detailed throughout the paper.
authors: FPInnovations, 2665 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada.
authors: Chuanwei
authors: C
authors: Miao
authors: FPInnovations, 2665 East Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada. Electronic address: wadood.hamad@fpinnovations.ca.
authors: Wadood Y
authors: WY
authors: Hamad
mesh_terms: D002482:Cellulose / Q000737:chemistry*; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry*; D058105:Polymerization
chemical_list: D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide); D002482:Cellulose
keywords: Biopolymers; Cellulose nanocrystals; In-situ ring-opening; Nanocomposites; Nanomaterials; Polylactic acid; polymerization