Thermo-mechanical properties of the composite made of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) and acetylated chitin nanocrystals

► Acetylated modification was used to prepare the hydrophobic acetylated chitin nanocrystals (CN). ► The modified CN maintained the rod-like morphology and crystal structure. ► The hydroxyl groups were partly replaced by the acetyl groups, which reduced the intermolecular hydrogen bonds. ► Acetylated CN assisted the crystallization behavior and reinforced the mechanical properties of PHBV.