Enhancing the mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA) composite films using Pueraria lobata root microcrystalline cellulose

To enhance the mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA) material, the PLA-based composite films are prepared by using Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi root microcrystalline cellulose (PRMCC) treated with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (KH550) silane coupling agent as the dispersed phase through solvent casting method. The effects of the concentrations of PRMCC and KH550 as well as the KH550 pretreating condition (ethanol concentration) on the tensile properties of PLA-based composite films are investigated. The PLA-based composite film treated with 5 wt% PRMCC and 18 wt% KH550 (pretreated by 90 % EtOH) exhibits the greatest performance. Its elongation at break value is detected to be 4.0 %, 1.6 times as large as that of pure PLA film. The water absorption of the as-prepared PLA-based composite film is reduced from 0.49 % of the unmodified PLA/PRMCC film to 0.12 %. Moreover, the modified PLA-based composite film has a hydrophobic surface and exhibits good thermal stability . Compared with pure PLA film, the modified PLA-based composite film exhibits improved UV shielding performance with acceptable transparency. Furthermore, after adding poly(butylene adipate- co -terephthalate) (PBAT) to the composite system , the elongation at break of the PLA-based composite film is up to 7.2 %. This research can provide theoretical guidance for enhancing the performance of PLA products. • KH550-modified Pueraria lobata root microcrystalline cellulose (PRMCC) enhances the mechanical properties of PLA composites. • Treatment with sodium chlorite and sodium hydroxide reduces hemicellulose and lignin content of Pueraria lobata root. • The elongation at break of the PLA/PRMCC composite film can reach up to 4.0%, 1.6 times as large as pure PLA film. • The elongation at break of the PLA/PRMCC/PBAT composite film can reach up to 7.2%, 2.9 times as large as pure PLA film.