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Enhanced dispersion and interface compatibilization of crystalline nanocellulose in polylactide by surfactant adsorption

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Abstract

In this study, the surface polarity of sulfated crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) was tailored using an ecologically compatible surface modification strategy. Lauric arginate, a novel biologically-derived cationic surfactant, was ionically bonded to the CNC surface sulfate groups forming a monolayer that significantly increased surface hydrophobicity. Both unmodified (P-CNC) and surfactant modified (F-CNC) were incorporated into a non-polar PLA matrix to study their reinforcing effect. The P-CNC, ascribed to its inherent hydrophilic characteristic, had limited nucleating and reinforcing effect on the PLA matrix. Large nanoparticle aggregation and interface debonding were easily discernable in P-CNC/PLA nanocomposite films. The hydrophobic F-CNC, by contrast, had a much better dispersibility and interface compatibility within the PLA matrix. The cold crystallization rate, crystallinity, storage modulus (glassy and rubbery states), glass transition temperature, and tensile strength and modulus of F-CNC/PLA nanocomposite films were remarkably enhanced with appropriate loading level of F-CNC (<5 wt%). These results demonstrate an efficient route to increase the hydrophobicity of CNC for its enhanced nanoreinforcing effect in various non-polar matrices.

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Acknowledgments

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support from USDA Forest Service (Agreement No. 11-JV-11111129-121) and the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Graduate Student Competitive Grants Program. We also thank A&B Ingredients for providing the lauric arginate.

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  1. Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, 308 Forest Resources Lab, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Kai Chi & Jeffrey M. Catchmark

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Correspondence to Jeffrey M. Catchmark.

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Chi, K., Catchmark, J.M. Enhanced dispersion and interface compatibilization of crystalline nanocellulose in polylactide by surfactant adsorption. Cellulose 24, 4845–4860 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-017-1479-3

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