Preparation and performance of modified cellulose nanocrystal/poly(lactic acid) composite materials

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were extracted from the shell of Camellia oleifera Abel by chemical disintegration method. Then, modified cellulose nanocrystals (BCNC) were prepared by surface modified with butyric anhydride. Subsequently, BCNC/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films were prepared by solvent casting method. Morphologies and properties of CNC before and after modification were compared, and the effect of BCNC on the tensile properties, barrier properties and transparency of BCNC/PLA films were studied. The results showed that the agglomeration of nanocellulose could be improved and dispersed in non-polar organic solvents. When the BCNC mass fraction was 5%, the tensile strength of the prepared composite film was improved by 30.1%, the water vapor gas permeability and oxygen permeability of the film were decreased by 60.0% and 35.0% compared to PLA films, respectively. The composite films still maintained high transmittance over 60%. © 2020, Editorial Office of FINE CHEMICALS. All right reserved.