Preparation of Microcrystalline Cellulose from Bagasse Bleached Pulp Reinforced Polylactic Acid Composite Films

Polylactic acid (PLA) is biodegradable and biocompatible, but some of its functional properties limit its commercial application. To improve the properties of PLA without destroying other useful characteristics, a composite film consisting of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and PLA was prepared. In this research, MCC was obtained from bagasse bleached pulp by hydrochloric acid hydrolysis. After being modified by a silane coupling agent (KH550), the MCC was used as reinforcement in the PLA matrix. The degradation performance of the composite film was explored using degradation experiments in which the film was buried in soil. According to the single-factor experiments, the best composite formulation was 3% KH550, 20% KH550-MCC and 15% acetyl tributyl citrate. The results showed that the interfacial compatibility of the MCC/PLA composite films was improved after MCC was modified with KH550. This research showed that the addition of MCC can enhance the degradation rate of MCC/PLA composite films.