Cellulose-g-poly(d-lactide) nanohybrids induced significant low melt viscosity and fast crystallization of fully bio-based nanocomposites

Comb-like nanocrystal cellulose graft poly (d-lactide) (PDLA), i.e., NCC-g-PDLA nanohybrids were synthesized and compounded with poly (l-lactide) (PLLA) and poly (hydroxyalkanoate)s (PHA) to make fully biobased nanocomposites. Surprisingly, the complex viscosity of the PLLA/PHA melts was reduced by more than one order of magnitudes, viz. from 4000 to 100 Pa s by incorporation of 2⿿4 wt% of the NCC-g-PDLA nanohybrids. Meanwhile, the crystallization of the PLLA component was accelerated by the NCC-g-PDLA nanohybrids due to the strong interaction between PDLA and PLLA macromolecules. The significant reduction in melt viscosity associating with unique core-shell-like microstructures due to the synergetic effect of the NCC-g-PDLA nanohybrids and the PHA would facilitate the preparation of complex-shaped biomass articles and fibers under low(er) pressure and temperatures, which is beyond pure academic interest.