Squeeze Orientation Reinforcement Effect on Cellulose Nanocrystals/Poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) Composites

Abstract Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)/poly(butylene adipate- co -butylene terephthalate) composites enhanced compatibility with phthalic anhydride were one-step prepared via melt blending. The obtained composites then underwent squeezing treatment in a two-roll milling equipment at a given temperature. CNC/PBAT composites were separated and then tested via FTIR and UV–Vis spectrophotometer. During reactive blending, phthalic anhydride selectively reacts with CNC. Before squeezing, tensile strength of CNC/PBAT composites is weakened with increasing phthalic anhydride content. After squeeze treatment at an extension ratio of 6, tensile strength of CNC/PBAT (3/97) is dramatically increased from 29.6 to 148.0 MPa, which is much higher than that of pristine PBAT 85.0 MPa. SEM and WAXD results show that PBAT crystallinity is increased after orientation, and CNC show an orientation arrangement along force direction in PBAT matrix.