The influence of nanocellulosic fiber, extracted from Helicteres isora, on thermal, wetting and viscoelastic properties of poly(butylene succinate) composites

In this study, the thermal, wetting and viscoelastic properties of biodegradable poly(butylene succinate)-isora nanofibril (PBS-INF) composites were investigated. Optical polarizing microscopy showed that incorporating INF in PBS enhanced the number of nucleation sites while also reducing its spherulitic size. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction results showed the influence of INF on the crystal structure of PBS. Dynamic mechanical analysis results revealed increases in storage and loss moduli with increasing INF content. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that incorporating INF facilitated crystallization at higher temperatures. INF slightly enhanced the melting behavior of PBS matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis results demonstrated no definitive change in the thermal stability of PBS upon inclusion of INF. Contact angle studies showed enhancement in the hydrophilic nature of PBS-INF composites. Overall, INF had a positive influence on the thermophysical properties of PBS providing a feasibility for using PBS-INF composites in automotive interiors, food packaging and related applications.