Influence of Bagasse Carboxymethyl Cellulose Addition on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of PLA Composites
According to the availability of bagasse waste and increasing environmental concern, this research is focused on the preparation of polylactic acid (PLA)/bagasse carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCB) composite in order to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of PLA/CMCB film. PLA were mixed with CMCB at different ratios (1, 2, 4 and 8%, w/w of PLA), by kneading in two roll mills and then hot pressing into film. The results revealed that the addition of CMCB had significant effects on PLA composites properties. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement indicated that the presence of CMCB accelerated the reduction of glass transition, and melting temperatures. Moreover the CMCB could improve the storage modulus of PLA composites at high temperature because its cold crystallization was developed. At room temperature, the tensile strength and elongation of PLA composite (but not modulus) were not significantly different with an increase of CMCB contents.