Non‐isothermal crystallization behavior of PLA/acetylated cellulose nanocrystal/silica nanocomposites

Abstract

Poly(lactide) (PLA)/acetylated cellulose nanocrystals (ACN)/silica nanocomposites were prepared by solution casting. Surface modification of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) was performed to prepare the ACN. The ACN and silica were expected to act as a mechanical reinforcement of PLA and a nucleation agent, respectively, to increase the crystallization rate. Introduction of acetyl groups on the surface of the cellulose nanocrystals was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. A combined Avrami − Ozawa analysis described the non‐isothermal crystallization effectively. The activation energy for the crystallization was calculated from the Kissinger and the Takhor equations. Spherulite growth behavior was observed by polarizing optical microscope and spherulite growth rate, the number of spherulite versus crystallization time have investigated. The development of PLA crystals and the thermal stability had a tendency to improve with increasing silica content. Increased tensile strength was observed due to the reinforcement effect of ACN and the morphology of the nanocomposites was investigated. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry

Physical, Mechanical, and Thermal Analysis of Polylactic Acid/Fumed Silica/Clay (1.28E) Nanocomposites

“…Pure PLA had the lowest tensile strength and modulus due to the weak bonding between the particles in the matrix. FS was functioned as nucleation agent improved the tensile strength and modulus of the PLA/FS nanocomposite compared to PLA matrix [7]. 2 wt% of PLA/FS/clay (1.28E) nanocomposite had the highest tensile strength and modulus among all different clay weight percentages of PLA/FS/clay nanocomposites.…”

“…Fillers that are commonly introduced into polymer nanocomposites are fumed silica (FS) and nanoclay (clay). FS is filler that functioned as nucleation agent to improve the mechanical properties as well as the surface morphology [7]. It is a good alternative to incorporate FS as second filler because FS has large, uniform, and nonporous surface [8].…”

Fabrication of microcellular polylactide/modified silica nanocomposite foams

“…Nanocomposites prepared using inorganic nanoparticles such as silica can improve the physical and thermal properties, as well as the chemical stability of PLA. Silica is widely used as a nanofiller for the manufacture of polymer nanocomposites because of its excellent properties, such as adhesion, abrasion, nontoxicity, and high surface area . However, the apparent silanol group on the surface of the silica nanoparticle hinders its dispersion in the PLA matrix because the silica nanoparticles are agglomerated by its hydrogen bonding.…”

“…However, hydrophilic fumed silica has low affinity to PLA and tends to aggregate in the polymer matrix. In our previous works, modification of the silica nanoparticles using dodecyltrichlorosilane (DTS) to improve the affinity with the polymer and prevent agglomeration between the silica particles have been studied . DTS modification is a fairly facile process to introduce long organic chains on silica nanoparticles, which makes it possible to realize a superhydrophobic surface, which leads to self‐cleaning properties, along with antisticking and anticontamination behaviors .…”

Effect of modified ZnO nanoparticle on the properties of polylactide ultrafine fibers

“…Biomass‐based polymers are drawing attention as sustainable materials because of the necessity of solving environmental problems, such as the fossil fuels depletion, excessive industrial waste, and the greenhouse effect. Much research explored the potential of bio‐based polymers to replace petroleum‐based polymers . In particular, polylactide (PLA), which is obtained by ring‐opening polymerization of lactide made from corn starch, is a representative biodegradable material.…”