On the use of nano fibrillated cellulose (NFC) fiber as reinforcement in polylactic acid (PLA) matrix composites

Ting, Carron Shuang Sia (2018) On the use of nano fibrillated cellulose (NFC) fiber as reinforcement in polylactic acid (PLA) matrix composites. Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

This research is to determine the yield of nano fibrillated cellulose (NFC) after chemico mechanical treatments of natural fibers through acid hydrolysis, mechanical rotational and fibrillation process, to analyze the distribution and dispersion morphology of NFC in nano fibrillated cellulose poly lactic acid (NFC-PLA) composite and to investigate the reinforcing effect on mechanical properties of NFC- PLA composite. In the beginning, kenaf fibers were fibrillated nanoscale through chemical treatment and fibrillation process. After that, the nano cellulose fibers with PLA pellet undergo hot pressing to form NFC-PLA composite. The yield percentage of the NFC was determined using centrifugal method. For the NFC-PLA composite, the morphological appearance of distribution and dispersion of NFC in NFC-PLA composite is observed by using optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The reinforcing effect on mechanical properties of NFC-PLA composite was investigated by using mechanical testing which is tensile test. For this research, analytical data of average length and diameter of fibrillated fibers show a trend of decreasing as the blending speed and time increase. The maximum increase in tensile strength of 59.32% was observed for NFC-PLA composite with fibrillated fiber derived from rotational speed and time of 15000 rpm and 15 minutes compared to pure PLA. The tensile properties indicated that the strength and modulus were improved with increased nanofiber contents. PLA shows good stiffness and strength and is being used in applications such as drinking bottles, food packaging and degradable plastic bags. The nano fibrillated cellulose reinforced in the PLA can further improve its mechanical properties. NFC PLA composite is well known used as material in the 3D printing industry. By reducing the usage of conventional plastics, the landfill wastage can be reduced as well. This contributes to green living or practices that help conserve natural resources by reducing the use of non-degradable and non-renewable resources.

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