Aligned plasticized polylactic acid cellulose nanocomposite tapes: Effect of drawing conditions

Aligned nanocomposite tapes based on plasticized polylactic acid (PLA) and 1 wt% cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were prepared using uniaxial solid-state drawing, and the effects of drawing conditions including temperature, speed and draw ratio on the material were studied. Microscopy studies confirmed alignment and the formation of 'shish-kebab' morphology in the drawn tape. Mechanical properties demonstrate that the solid-state drawing is a very effective way to produce stronger and tougher PLA nanocomposites, and the toughness can be improved 60 times compared to the undrawn tape. Additionally, the thermal properties, i.e. storage modulus, glass transition temperature and degree of crystallinity were improved. These improvements are expected due to the synergistic effect of CNF in the nanocomposite and orientations induced by the solid-state drawing.