Penguatan Sifat Mekanis Komposit Poliasam Laktat dan Selulosa Mikrofibril Terasetilasi-Terlaktilasi

Abstract

The composites based on polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with 10% modified microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) has been succesfully prepared. Modification of MFC was needed to increase its compatibility with PLA in the composite formation. In this experiment, MFC was modified with partial acetylation (degree of substitution: 1) and further grafted with lactide monomers through ring-opening polymerization. The result of acetylation and grafting were verified by infrared spectra. Thermal characterization carried out using differential scanning calorimetry measurements showed that the presence of modified MFC increased the temperature of glass transition and accelerated the crystallization of PLA. In addition, mechanical properties measurements showed that the modified MFC formed percolation network and acted as a fillers within the PLA matrix. It was showed by enhancement in elongation at break (1.1% to 1.8%), tensile strength (14.9 MPa to 25.7 MPa), and modulus of elasticity (1.7 GPa to 2.1 GPa).