characterization of cellulose reinforced polylactic acid solution cast nanocomposite

polylactic acid based biodegradable nanocomposites reinforced with acetylated nanocellulose were fabricated with solution casting procedure. the nanocomposites were prepared by adding 1, 3 and 5% nanofiber loadings. the microstructure, physical, mechanical and thermal properties of the prepared nanocomposites were investigated. scanning electronic microscope (sem) analysis of the composites confirmed the uniform distribution of nanoparticles within the matrix at low percentages. according to water vapor barrier test results, acetylated fibers did not improve the permeability of the prepared composites. tensile strength (elongation) of nanocomposites had improved significantly by reinforcing with nanofibers due to the good dispersion of nanofibers at 1 and 3 percent, while the increase of nanofiber led to an aggregation and a brittle film with increased modulus of elasticity. reinforcing effect of nanocellulose caused an increase in glass transition and melting temperature of the composites. however, the thermal behavior of nanocomposite and pure pla films showed a very similar pattern.