Processing Routes for the Preparation of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Cellulose-Nanowhisker Nanocomposites for Packaging Applications

Abstract

In this work, poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/cellulose-nanowhisker (CNW) nanocomposites were prepared by twin-screw extrusion followed by injection moulding. The CNW was dispersed in a plasticizer/compatibilizer (PL) before the melt mixing process. It was found that the PL not only improved the processability and reduced the fragility of PLA but also prevented the agglomeration of the CNW up to 12 wt.% of CNW content, obtaining well dispersed and distributed PLA/CNW nanocomposites. The prepared nanocomposites were injection-moulded and their mechanical/thermal properties were evaluated. PLA/CNW nanocomposites showed better mechanical properties than those of the neat matrix but the material with the lower CNW content showed the best mechanical performance.