Enhanced properties of regenerated cellulose/corn cob biocomposite films

In this study, the effect of corn cob (CC) content and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA) as chemical modifier was studied. Biocomposite films on regenerated cellulose (RC) incorporated with CC at different loading were prepared by dissolving microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and corn cob in N, N-dimethylacetamide/lithium chloride (DMAc/LiCl) using solution casting method. The effect of CC loading and EHA on tensile properties, crystallinity (CrI) and morphology of RC/CC were investigated. Tensile properties and crystallinity index (CrI) increases with the addition of corn cob. At similar CC loading, treated RC/CC films with EHA exhibit higher tensile properties and CrI than untreated RC/CC biocomposite films. The significant reinforcing effect of CC and improves interfacial interaction by EHA yielded better mechanical properties and crystallinity index of biocomposite films. The fracture surfaces and enhancement of RC/CC biocomposites films were inspected and revealed by morphological studies. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.