Rapid Solvent-Free Microcrystalline Cellulose Melt Functionalization with <scp>l</scp>-Lactide for the Fabrication of Green Poly(lactic acid) Biocomposites

A green approach is proposed to achieve a rapid surface functionalization of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in 30 min by solvent-free "grafting from" reaction l-lactide through compression molding without the need for an inert atmosphere. sufficient hydrophobization MCC achieved with amount grafted poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) oligomers 7 wt % respect MCC. The obtained MCC-g-PLLA subsequently melt-compounded poly(lactic (PLA) extrusion and injection molding. As result higher compatibility interfacial adhesion functionalized filler PLA, PLA/MCC-g-PLLA biocomposites content ranging from 4 20 exhibit enhancement important physicochemical properties (i.e., water vapor barrier, crystallinity, stiffness) compared both pure PLA formulations containing equal or nonfunctionalized At same time, materials retain mechanical strength resistance thermal degradation PLA. characteristics, excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability simplicity, rapidity, cost-effectiveness grafting process render these suitable several applications within plastics domain including packaging, agriculture, automotive, consumer goods, household appliances.