The effect of poly(ethylene glycol) on the properties of poly (lactic acid)/silane-modified bacterial cellulose nanocomposites

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to investigate the impact of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) on the properties of nanocomposites consisting of polylactic acid (PLA) and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane-modified bacterial cellulose (MBC) nanofibers. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies indicated that the presence of PEG enhanced the chain mobility of PLA during crystallization, thereby enabling the MBC to act as efficient nucleation agents. Furthermore, DSC and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses provided evidence for the formation of two distinct crystal structures, namely α and α,’ as well as various spherulitic dimensions. Finally, the toughening of PLA was occurred by adding PEG to PLA and ternary nanocomposites.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• Bacterial cellulose
• mechanical properties
• polyethylene glycol
• polylactic acid
• surface modification
• thermal properties

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The raw/processed data required to reproduce these findings cannot be shared at this time as the data also forms part of an ongoing study.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Raha Sadeghi

Raha Sadeghi is a master’s degree graduate majoring in Polymer from Yazd University, Department of Chemical and Polymer Engineering.

Zahra Daneshfar

Zahra Daneshfar is currently working as a assistant professor at Yazd University, Department of Chemical and Polymer Engineering. His research area focus on nanocomposites and nanomaterials.