Preparation and Properties of Biopolymer-Based Nanocomposite Films Using Microcrystalline Cellulose

Abstract

This chapter will give an idea of how the addition of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) will affect the transparency, mechanical, thermal and barrier properties of biopolymers. It will also provide information on the production and structure of these nanocomposites. Two biopolymer matrices were used in this study, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB). The nanocomposite films were prepared by adding 5 wt % of MCC into both PLA and CAB using solution casting. Tensile testing showed increased strength (12 %) of the PLA nanocomposite and increased strength (30 %), toughness (300 %) and elongation to break (135 %) of the CAB nanocomposite. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) also showed an improvement in storage modulus over the entire temperature range for the PLA nanocomposite. The barrier properties against UV/Visual light were improved, while the barrier properties against oxygen were reduced due to the addition of MCC.