Preparation of A Dynamically Vulcanized Nanocomposite Thermoplastic Based on PLA/NR and Cellulose Nanocrystal (CNC)

Abstract

Dynamically vulcanized nanocomposite thermoplastic based on poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/natural rubber (NR) is prepared through a dynamic curing process. The cross-linked NR phase exhibits a continuous network structure embedded in the PLA phase, which differs from the conventional plastic/rubber system with an "island-sea" morphology in which vulcanized rubber particles are dispersed in the plastic matrix. Its favorable internal interfacial compatibility was confirmed by SEM analysis. Also, CNC has been used as a sustainable additive to improve the mechanical properties of PLA/NR thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV). To achieve homogeneous dispersion of CNC, the melt mixing method was used. The mechanical properties were considerably enhanced by CNC addition, which increased from 14% of the unfilled TPV to 70% of the sample with CNC (1.5 phr relative to PLA). The "green" raw materials and high mechanical properties of PLA/NR/CNC prepared from the dynamic curing process are expected to open up a wide range of potential applications in the fields of smart medicine.