Bio-nano reinforcement of environmentally degradable polymer matrix by cellulose whiskers from grass

Cellulose nanofiber reinforced composite exhibits remarkable improvement in properties of many polymer matrixes at low filler concentration. Grass of Korea was treated with acid, and cellulose whiskers (similar to 10-60 nm thickness) were extracted after mechanical treatment. The composites were fabricated with poly (lactic acid) in presence of compatibilizer. Comparison of cellulose modification on the structure and properties was carried out by monitoring the functional group variation, thermal behavior, surface morphology, and crystallinity through FT-IR, TGA, SEM, and XRD, respectively. It was found that cellulose whiskers have lower thermal stability than alkali treated long fiber whereas the crystalline nature of composites decreased significantly with concentration of filler. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.