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Polymers and Polymer Composites

Processing routes for the preparation of poly(lactic acid)/cellulose-nanowhisker nanocomposites for packaging applications

May 1, 2016 By: Moran J I; Luduena L N; Vu Thanh Phuong; Cinelli P; Lazzeri A; Alvarez V A Research article

Title: Processing routes for the preparation of poly(lactic acid)/cellulose-nanowhisker nanocomposites for packaging applications
Page Range: p.341-346
Author(s): Moran J I; Luduena L N; Vu Thanh Phuong; Cinelli P; Lazzeri A; Alvarez V A
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Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites
Issue Year: ppc
Volume: 24
Issue No: No.5

Abstract
In this work, poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/cellulose-nanowhisker (CNW) nanocomposites were prepared by twinscrew extrusion followed by injection moulding. The CNW was dispersed in a plasticiser/compatibiliser (PL) before the melt mixing process. It was found that the PL not only improved the processability and reduced the fragility of PLA but also prevented the agglomeration of the CNW up to 12 wt.% of CNW content, obtaining well dispersed and distributed PLA/CNW nanocomposites. The prepared nanocomposites were injection moulded and their mechanical/thermal properties were evaluated. PLA/CNW nanocomposites showed better mechanical properties than those of the neat matrix but the material with the lower CNW content showed the best mechanical performance. 23 Refs.

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