Production and Modification of Cellulose Nanocrystals from Camellia oleifera Fruit Shells and Its Effect on the Mechanical Properties of Poly(lactic acid)

In this study, biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) composite films reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were produced by solvent casting. The CNCs extracted from Camellia oleifera fruit shells (COFS) were modified with butyric anhydride and their physical properties were studied. The resultant butyrated cellulose nanocrystals (BCNCs) showed improved dispersion in organic solvents compared with CNCs. These BCNCs were subsequently introduced into PLA matrix to produce fully biodegradable film. The prepared PLA/BCNCs composites exhibited a comprehensive improvement in both tensile and thermomechanical performance, which was primarily attributed to the uniform dispersion of the BCNCs and the strong interfacial adhesion between filler and matrix. The resultant high performance and ecofriendly composites will expand the utilization of CNCs from renewable bioresources and the practical application of PLA-based products.