Improvement of Poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lactide) Film Properties with Nanocellulose

In present study, the improvement of poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(L-lactide) or PLLA-PEG-PLLA film properties with extract of rice straw nanocellulose are reported. The diameter of cellulose particles was 59.92 and 392 nm as determined by TEM and particle size analysis, respectively. A solvent casting method was used to prepare nanocellulose and polymer matrix (PLLA-PEG-PLLA) in different ratios (1%, 3% and 5% wt). It was found that the nanocellulose content, thermal and mechanical properties of the polymer matrix were varied. There was slightly increased thermal stability from 270 to 276 ºC in the first stages. In the 2nd stage from 367 to 376 ºC, TGA indicated slightly decreased Tg and Tcc while Tm was not different (DSC). The mechanical properties of biocomposite film displayed slightly increased Young’s modulus (414-447 MPa), stress at break (26-31 MPa) and elongation at break (6.6-7.6%) compared to pure PLLA-PEG-PLLA film.