Enhancing mechanical and thermal properties of plasticized poly-L-(lactic acid) by incorporating aminated-cellulose nanocrystals

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have attracted much interest as a nucleating and reinforcing agent for poly-L-(lactid acid) (PLLA). However, the processing route to incorporate CNCs into PLLA matrices CNC content strong impact on efficiency of cellulose nanofillers (CNs). In present work, single melt-processing mode using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) carrier aminated (Am-CNCs), prepared via periodate oxidation followed by addition diaminododecane, was adopted elaborate plasticized composites with different CN contents. The investigated differential scanning calorimetry Avrami's approach determine half-crystallization time (t1/2). influence mechanical properties melt rheology also assessed tensile test frequency sweep measurements. incorporation Am-CNCs resulted in marked enhancement both modulus strength, an optimal effect at 2% nanofiller content, best performance observed Am-CNCs. A similar tendency PLLA/PEG blend, which demonstrated significant increase G′ G′′ respect neat matrix. results were justified effective ability their dispersion degree within