Biodegradable PBAT-Based Nanocomposites Reinforced with Functionalized Cellulose Nanocrystals from Pseudobombax munguba: Rheological, Thermal, Mechanical and Biodegradability Properties

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were isolated from Munguba (Pseudobombax munguba) fibers and then functionalized with octadecyl isocyanate. Nanocomposites based on poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) were prepared with different concentrations of cellulose nanocrystals (3, 5 and 7 wt%). We show that the addition of functionalized CNC leads to PBAT-based nanocomposites with enhanced thermal, rheological and mechanical performances, maintaining the biodegradability of the matrix. The better properties of the nanocomposites were related to the optimal amount and the uniform dispersion of CNC in PBAT. The study here presented expands the application of Munguba fibers, exploring their use to prepare PBAT-based biodegradable nanocomposites with improved properties. These nanocomposites have potential for replacement the conventional polymers in future applications with the advantage of exhibiting biodegradability.