"Soft-rigid" synergistic reinforcement of PHBV composites with functionalized cellulose nanocrystals and amorphous recycled polycarbonate. (1st February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Fang; Yu, Hou-Yong; Li, Yingzhan; Hussain Abdalkarim, Somia Yassin; Zhu, Jiaying; Zhou, Ying
• Is Part Of: Composites. Number 206(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02-01
• Subjects: A. Thin films -- B. Fracture toughness -- B. Impact behavior -- E. Surface treatments; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2020.108542
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-8368

Abstract

Abstract: Herein, both rigid cellulose nanocrystal with photoactive groups (CNC-Cc) and amorphous polycarbonate (extracted from discarded CD) were functionalized as reinforcing agents to obtain poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/polycarbonate/CNC-Cc (PHBV/PC/CNC-Cc) composite films via a Pickering emulsion approach. With the addition of PC and CNC-Cc, an obvious "soft-rigid" synergistic effect on the performances of PHBV matrix was found. Compared to neat PHBV, the best mechanical strength/toughness of PHBV/PC/CNC-Cc-7 increased by 273.8%/821.9%. Meanwhile the PHBV/PC/CNC-Cc-7 nanocomposite showed excellent UV shielding, antioxidant, and antibacterial abilities, due to dynamic competition effect of amorphous PC and rigid CNC-Cc on the PHBV microstructure and interaction. Therefore, this work could solve the current problems of poor mechanical flexibility of biopolymers for potential applications in easy-oxidized food packaging.