Thermal and Morphological Properties of Poly (Lactic Acid)/Nanocellulose Nanocomposites

In this study, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were synthesized by acid hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) powder. The morphology of MCC and CNC was examined using energy filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM). Further, poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/CNC nanocomposite was prepared using solution casting technique. The thermal properties (i.e., glass transition temperature, melting temperature, degree of crystallinity, thermal decomposition) of the PLA/CNC nanocomposites were characterized using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and thermogravimetry analyzer (TGA). EFTEM studies showed that the CNC exhibited needle-like structure (approximately 10-20 nm in width and 250-300 nm in length), which is a typical measurements found in wood based nanocellulose. DSC analysis showed that CNC (up to 5wt%) is capable of acting as nucleating agent for PLA. TGA analysis showed that the of decomposition temperatures PLA/CNC nanocomposites were higher than that of pure PLA.