Thermoplastic starch nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals: effect of plasticizer on properties

摘要

The objective of this study was to characterize cellulose nanocrystals /TPS-based nanocomposites. Nanocrystalline cellulose was isolated from cotton linters using sonochemical method and characterized through WXRD, TEM, and FTIR. These nanocrystals were then dispersed in glycerol and sorbitol plasticized starch using a Fluko high shear homogenizer in varying proportions and films were cast. The films were characterized using WXRD, SEM, and mechanical properties. TEM images of nanocrystals revealed a diameter of 20-30nm and length 200-300nm. XRD results for nanocomposite films for both the plasticizers showed 2 peaks at 14.8 degrees, 16.7,degrees and 22.5 degrees. Elastic modulus increased with addition of cellulose nanocrystals and tan shifted toward higher temperature for both the plasticizers. Mechanical properties improved more than 200% for both glycerol and sorbitol plasticized nanocomposites.