Pullulan-nanofibrillated cellulose composite films with improved thermal and mechanical properties

authors	Trovatti, E; Fernandes, SCM; Rubatat, L; Perez, DD; Freire, CSR; Silvestre, AJD; Neto, CP
nationality	International
journal	COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
author keywords	Pullulan and nanofibrillated cellulose; Nanocomposites morphology; Mechanical properties; Thermal properties; Casting
keywords	NANOCOMPOSITES; TRANSPARENT; CHITOSAN; BIOPOLYMER; BARRIER; STARCH
abstract	Novel bionanocomposite films with improved thermal and mechanical properties, were prepared by casting water-based suspensions of pullulan and nanofibrillated cellulose. The effect of the addition of glycerol, as a plasticizer, on the properties of the materials was also evaluated. The ensuing materials were characterized in terms of morphology, thermal stability, crystalline structure and mechanical properties. All bionanocomposites were very homogeneous, translucent and showed considerable improvements in thermal stability (increments of up to 20 degrees C in the degradation temperature) and mechanical properties (increments of up to 5500% and 8000% in the Young's modulus and tensile strength, respectively, for films plasticized with glycerol) when compared to the unfilled pullulan films. Additionally, these novel bionanocomposite could be labeled as sustainable materials since they were prepared entirely from renewable resources and through a green approach. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
publisher	ELSEVIER SCI LTD
issn	0266-3538
year published	2012
volume	72
issue	13
beginning page	1556
ending page	1561
digital object identifier (doi)	10.1016/j.compscitech.2012.06.003
web of science category	Materials Science, Composites
subject category	Materials Science
unique article identifier	WOS:000307798400011