Role of Hybrid Nano-Zinc Oxide and Cellulose Nanocrystals on the Mechanical, Thermal, and Flammability Properties of Poly (Lactic Acid) Polymer

Biopolymers with universal accessibility and inherent biodegradability can offer an appealing sustainable platform to supersede petroleum-based polymers. In this research, a hybrid system derived from cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles was added into poly (lactic acid) (PLA) improve its mechanical, thermal, flame resistance properties. The ZnO-overlaid CNCs were prepared via the solvent casting method PLA through melt-blending extrusion process. composite properties evaluated using SEM, dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA), FTIR TGA, horizontal burning tests. results demonstrated that incorporation of 1.5% nano-CNC-overlaid ZnO enhanced thermal characteristics matrix. Oxidative combustion CNC-ZnO promoted char formation reduction. shielding effect ZnO-CNC blend served as insulator resulted in noncontinuous burning, which increased fire retardancy nanocomposites. By contrast, addition accelerated polymer degradation at higher temperature shifted maximum lower comparison pure PLA. For composites reinforced by ZnO, storage modulus decreased content possibly due scissoring matrix, molecular weight.