Functionalization and Compatibilization of Poly(e-caprolactone) Composites with Cellulose Microfibres: Morphology, Thermal and Mechanical Properties

A comparative study of the preparation and properties of composites of PCL with cellulose microfibres (CFs) containing butanoic-acid-modified cellulose (CB) or PCL grafted with maleic anhydride/glycidyl methacrylate as compatibilizers, is reported. The composites are obtained by melt mixing and analyzed using SEM, DSC, TGA, XRD, FT-IR, NMR and tensile tests. An improved interfacial adhesion is observed in all compatibilized composites, as compared to PCL/CF. The crystallization behavior and crystallinity of PCL is largely affected by CF and CB content. Composites with PCL-g-MAGMA display higher values of tensile modulus, tensile strength and elongation at break.