Functionalization and Compatibilization of Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Composites with Cellulose Microfibres: Morphology, Thermal and Mechanical Properties

A comparative study of the preparation and properties of composites of PCL with cellulose microfibres (CFs) containing butanoic‐acid‐modified cellulose (CB) or PCL grafted with maleic anhydride/glycidyl methacrylate as compatibilizers, is reported. The composites are obtained by melt mixing and analyzed using SEM, DSC, TGA, XRD, FT‐IR, NMR and tensile tests. An improved interfacial adhesion is observed in all compatibilized composites, as compared to PCL/CF. The crystallization behavior and crystallinity of PCL is largely affected by CF and CB content. Composites with PCL ‐g‐ MAGMA display higher values of tensile modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break. magnified image