Structural and mechanical properties of biodegradable poly(lactic acid) and pectin composites: using bionucleating agent to improve crystallization behavior

Abstract Biocomposites of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and pectin, which are low-cost organic materials, were prepared using an internal mixing machine in various pectin contents, i.e., 2, 4, 6 8% w/w. When was added as a nucleating agent, the mechanical properties biocomposites, such tensile impact testing, considerably improved, particularly following annealing process. In addition, PLA–pectin annealed at 4% w/w showed highest strength thermal stability. This can be explained by fact that PLA containing weight had best dispersion, indicated scanning electron microscopy (SEM) synchrotron-based 2D chemical mapping FT-IR. Moreover, not only serves reinforcing material to improve characteristics but also aids crystallization PLA, confirmed situ wide-angle X-ray scattering (SR-WAXS). The rate crystallinity maximum addition according SR-WAXS results. shows dispersion is most important factor determining biocomposites.