Beneficial Effect of Compatibilization on the Aging of Cellulose‐Reinforced Biopolymer Blends

The effect of aging on the thermo‐mechanical properties of new biocomposite materials obtained from renewable resources is studied. Cellulose was used as the reinforcing phase and the matrix was composed of a blend of two biopolymers (PEM and PLLA) in order to have a good compromise between stiffness and flexibility. Two grafting agents were used to compatibilize the filler with the matrix. The ensuing materials were then aged at 35 °C and 80% relative humidity during 45 days. Thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of the blends and composites were measured before and after aging. Important variations of crystallinity were observed and results show that grafting allowed obtaining high‐performance composites even after aging. magnified image