Hybrid nanocomposites based on cellulose, chitin, and polylactic acid

Hybrid nanocomposites based on cellulose, chitin, and polylactic acid

Nakagaito, Antonio Norio; Takagi, Hitoshi; Kanzawa, Sohtaroh

Abstract:

Cellulose nanofibers are extracted from plant fibers and wood, while chitin nanofibers come from the hard shell of marine crustaceans, insects and many filamentous fungi. In this study, both cellulose and chitin nanofibers were used as reinforcement of polylactic acid (PLA). Aqueous suspension of nanofibers and PLA microparticle emulsion were mixed, filtered, dried and hot-pressed. Hybrid composites exhibited higher mechanical properties than the ones reinforced with either cellulose of chitin. Tensile strengths up to 120 MPa were achieved. If the nanofiber extraction cost comes to an acceptable level, these completely biodegradable nanocomposites made from renewable resources could replace conventional materials in casings of electronic products.

Cellulose nanofibers are extracted from plant fibers and wood, while chitin nanofibers come from the hard shell of marine crustaceans, insects and many filamentous fungi. In this study, both cellulose and chitin nanofibers were used as reinforcement of polylactic acid (PLA). Aqueous suspension of nanofibers and PLA microparticle emulsion were mixed, filtered, dried and hot-pressed. Hybrid composites exhibited higher mechanical properties than the ones reinforced with either cellulose of chitin. Tensile strengths up to 120 MPa were achieved. If the nanofiber extraction cost comes to an acceptable level, these completely biodegradable nanocomposites made from renewable resources could replace conventional materials in casings of electronic products.

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DOI:

Como citar:

Nakagaito, Antonio Norio; Takagi, Hitoshi; Kanzawa, Sohtaroh; "Hybrid nanocomposites based on cellulose, chitin, and polylactic acid", p-57-57. In: Proceedings of the 13th International Symposium on Multiscale, Multifunctional and Functionally Graded Materials [=Blucher Material Science Proceedings, v.1, n.1]. São Paulo: Blucher, 2014.
ISSN 23589337, DOI