Rheological and mechanical properties of cellulose/LDPE composites using sustainable and fully renewable compatibilisers

Abstract

Cellulose composites with polyethylene (PE) permit to reinforce this commodity polymer, while at the same time introducing renewable content and thus minimizing the use of petroleum-based feedstocks. Herein, we report on two fully renewably sourced and sustainably synthesized compatibilisers based on amylose and starch, which allow for such cellulose dispersion in low-density PE (LDPE). These compatibilisers advantageously combine the hydrophilicity of carbohydrates with the hydrophobicity of fatty acids. Upon extrusion of cellulose, LDPE, and the compatibilisers, a significantly improved dispersion of cellulose within LDPE was observed using rheology at loadings of 10 wt % cellulose and 5–15 wt % compatibiliser. Moreover, an improved interfacial adhesion was observed using scanning electron microscopy and was also confirmed by the mechanical properties, notably the Young's modulus, as a result of the good stress transfer between filler and matrix material. This study highlights the potential of fully renewable compatibilisers for the preparation of composites of cellulose and the commodity plastic LDPE. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Applied Polymer Science published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48744.