Microcrystalline cellulose reinforced polylactic acid composites: comparison of fabrication method and cellulose content

This study compared the effects of two processing methods, namely solution casting and melt injection molding, on the properties of polylactic acid (PLA) composites incorporated with various contents of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) (1-5%). The results showed that injection molding had a more favorable effect on the dispersion and interfacial bonding of MCC compared to solution casting. The injection-molded composites with 4% MCC additions exhibited maximum tensile strength, tensile modulus, and elongation at break of 61.61 MPa, 784.05 MPa, and 9.52%, respectively. The crystallization ability, heat resistance, and crystallinity of PLA were improved by adding MCC. No changes in crystal planes and functional groups were observed after adding MCC. Agglomeration was observed in the composites with excessive MCC (> 4%). The results of this study are expected to optimize the properties of PLA composites by regulating the process conditions.