Work

Comparative Analysis of Solvent Casting and Pickering Emulsion Techniques for Improving the Mechanical Properties of Surface-Modified Cellulose Nanomaterial-Reinforced Polylactic Acid Composites

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: In the present work, solvent casting and Pickering emulsion methods are studied to enhance the mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA) composites containing surface-modified cellulose nanomaterials. To enhance the compatibility and the adhesion at the interface, cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) was functionalized by 2,4-methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and castor oil. Their results demonstrated that the Pickering emulsion method led to better dispersion of CNC in composites, resulting in improved tensile strength, flexibility, and thermal stability (compared with solvent-casted ones). In particular, the tensile strength increased by 20% and the crystallinity increased by 15% using the Pickering emulsion technique, indicating their potential as a new generation of sustainable packaging. The findings of this research could help in creating eco-friendly packaging options by improving the mechanical features of biodegradable composites and exploring potential alternatives to overcome their limitations.

Source: Polymers

DOI: 10.3390/polym16233406

Authors: Faik Bolat, Madalina Ioana Necolau, Elena Iuliana Bîru, Anamaria Zaharia, Horia Iovu

Institutions: Universitatea Națională de Știință și Tehnologie Politehnica București, Academia Oamenilor de Știință din România, Institutul Naţional de Cercetare Dezvoltare pentru Chimie si Petrochimie

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Cellulose Research Studies

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,069