Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis (DMTA) of Polylactic Acid (PLA)/Cellulose Composite

The use of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable, biocompatible, and recyclable polymer, as a replacement for petroleum-based polymers, has received considerable attention in recent years amid growing environmental concerns. The main drawbacks of PLA properties are low toughness and thermal-mechanical stability. Therefore, it is of great scientific interest to enhance these properties without affecting their environmental attributes. In this respect, there has been growing interest in the use of cellulose reinforcements such as cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as natural fillers for PLA toward advanced applications. This chapter presents the scientific advancement made to enhance the thermo-mechanical performance of PLA composites using various types of cellulose reinforcements.