Preparation and characterization of homogeneous poly(lactic acid)-cellulose nanowhiskers composite

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

There is a growing interest in the use of cellulose fibers as the reinforcements for green polymer composites. Biodegradable composites of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) incorporating cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) have been investigated with the goal of improving physical properties. The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize the novel homogeneous PLA-CNWs composite using whole milk casein protein as a binder. Casein is able to bind to PLA perhaps through hydrophobic interaction. Casein functionalized CNWs were mixed with PLA in dimethylformamide in order to get well dispersed suspension. The mixture was solvent casted on a Teflon plate and hot pressed to get homogenized sheets. CNWs without casein functionalization showed aggregation in the composite under electron microscope observation. The dispersion of CNWs was more homogeneous in the presence of casein. This indicates casein was able to improve the distribution of the CNWs in the matrix. The mechanical behaviors of the composites have been studied. Preliminary results indicate no further increase of modulus and strength of the novel composite perhaps due to relative low loading of CNWs.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2012, ASABE 2012
PublisherAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Pages1763-1768
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)9781622762088
StatePublished - 2012
EventAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2012 - Dallas, TX, United States
Duration: Jul 29 2012Aug 1 2012

Publication series

NameAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2012, ASABE 2012
Volume2

Other

OtherAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual International Meeting 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDallas, TX
Period7/29/128/1/12

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Bioengineering

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