Morphology and thermal properties of PLA-cellulose nanofibers composites

► We isolated nanofibers from microcrystalline cellulose by acid hydrolysis. ► We emphasized the dispersion of cellulose nanofibers by ScanAsyst AFM. ► Nanolevel characteristics were explored for the first time using AFM QNM technique. ► Silane treatment led to a difference of affinity between nanofibers and the matrix. ► It was demonstrated the role of cellulose nanofibers as nucleating agents.