Polylactic Acid (PLA)/Cellulose Nanowhiskers (CNWs) Composite Nanofibers: Microstructural and Properties Analysis

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA)/cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) composite nanofibers were successfully produced by electrospinning mixed PLA solutions with CNWs. Observation by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirms the uniform distribution of CNWs within the PLA nanofibers along the direction of the fiber axis. The spectra of composite nanofibers based on Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) reveal characteristic hydroxyl groups as evidenced by absorption peaks of CNWs. The addition of hydrophilic CNWs is proven to improve the water absorption ability of PLA nanofibers. The initial cold crystallization temperature decreases with the increasing CNW content, implying the nucleating agent role of CNWs as effective nanofillers. The degree of crystallinity increases from 6.0% for as-electrospun pure PLA nanofibers to 14.1% and 21.6% for PLA/5CNWs and PLA/10CNWs composite nanofibers, respectively. The incorporation of CNWs into PLA is expected to offer novel functionalities to electrospun composite nanofibers in the fields of tissue engineering and membranes.

Biodegradable PLA based nanocomposites for packaging applications: The effects of organo‐modified bentonite concentration

“…The vibration at 1207 cm −1 for the Chocolate clay sample presents low intensity, while for the Bofe clay sample, it is almost a shoulder. There is a decreased intensity of the band at 957 cm −1 with the clay loading, indicating increased crystallinity in the composite samples 82 . Organoclays can be exfoliated, and they can interact with the polymer, showing no XRD peaks related to the clay 66 but no shifts in the FTIR spectra confirm the interaction 63 .…”

“…The composite samples present bands similar to PLA, located between 1748 and 668 cm −1 (Figure 9(e) and Table 3), 82–87 but for the loaded samples, the bands have lower intensity PLA sample. The vibration at 1207 cm −1 for the Chocolate clay sample presents low intensity, while for the Bofe clay sample, it is almost a shoulder.…”

Improved Weathering Performance of Poly(Lactic Acid) through Carbon Nanotubes Addition: Thermal, Microstructural, and Nanomechanical Analyses

“…The decomposition starts at around 300 °C, followed by a rapid weight loss of over 96% around 410–420 °C. Thereby, the onset decomposition temperature (ODT) was paid close attention since it is dependent on the molecular weight and crystallinity of polymer [ 44 ]. As expected, ODT slowly decreased as the degradation was prolonged due to the effect of chain scissions and molecular weight reduction.…”

Investigation of Alkaline Surface Treatment Effected on Flax Fibre Woven Fabric with Biodegradable Polymer Based on Mechanical Properties

“…Liu states that lamellae crystals will form during polymer crystallization when the polymer chains fold into layers and stacking. A rigid structure is created during this process [23]. This enhancement of the flexural properties can be explained by better adhesion of the fibres after the alkaline surface treatment, which removes waxy substances from the fibres [11].…”