Effect of the Surface modification of Cellulose nanofibers on the Mechanical Properties and Disintegrability of Specific PLA/Cellulose Composites

Abstract

Abstract PLA/nanofibrillar cellulose (NFC) composite films were produced by solution casting. Before use, the cellulose fibers were modified with various types of surface active agents – cationic, anionic and non-ionic surfactants. The structure and morphology of samples of the cellulose fillers and composite films with polymer were analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy and PXRD diffraction. Thermal parameters of the composite films were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the films were evaluated in mechanical tests. The ability to disintegrate of all PLA/ NFC composites under composting conditions was also determined and compared.