Cellulose nanocrystals in PLA to increase barrier properties

27 October 2016

Bio-derived materials such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) can be used to develop packaging applications.
Incorporating CNCs into PLA can increase the crystallinity and barrier properties of PLA. The challenge lies in both increasing the flexibility of PLA and in obtaining good dispersion of the CNCs. Researchers at USDA Forest Products Laboratory propose a novel chemical modification of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to potentially improve the dispersion and adhesion of CNCs in the PLA matrix using sustainable chemistries. An article about the research is published in Proceedings, Forest Products Society International Convention 2016.
Click here for the published article (573 kB).

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