Influence of morphology and dispersion stability of CNC modified with ethylene oxide derivatives on mechanical properties of PLA‐based nanocomposites

• DOI: 10.1002/pc.24704
• Publication Date: 2018-01-12T11:36:39Z
• Authors: Gelsoneide S. Góis; Neymara C. Nepomu...; Carlos H.A. França; Yeda M.B. Almeida; Eduardo P. Hernandéz; Juliano E. Oliveira; Mauricio P. Oliveira; Eliton S. Medeiros; Amélia S.F. Santos
• Keywords: Zeta potential; Thermal Stability; Dispersion stability; Thermogravimetric analysis

The aggregation state of cellulose nanocrystals modified with surfactants (CNC/S) in water and CNC/S powder dispersion stability chloroform were studied correlated mechanical properties nanocomposites poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Four types nonionic used: PEG 300, 1000, poly(ethylene glycol) monooleate, Pluronic ® L44 (PL44). CNC/PL44 showed the smallest size CNC aggregates dispersed before freeze‐drying, as determined by atomic force microscopy. respective also lowest decay rate relative turbidity among dispersions chloroform. This, together improved surface coverage PL44, verified zeta potential (large change chloroform) thermogravimetric analysis (improved thermal powder), yielded highest tensile strength at break (TS) PLA/CNC/S nanocomposites. Despite none produced TS higher than PLA or PLA/CNC, is well prepared solvent casting. This correlation indicates that hornification cannot be avoided for conditions used to prepare there are two opposite effects preparation First, effectiveness steric barrier against during freeze‐drying depends on complete CNC, hydration stabilizing chain. Since hydrophilicity chain compatibility its nonpolar nature, this strategy alone seems not efficient produce high‐performance POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E399–E408, 2019. © 2018 Society Plastics Engineers