Compatibilization and roperty modification of PCHC/PPC blends using hydrophobic microcrystalline cellulose

Poly (propylene carbonate) (PPC), a biodegradable polyester with biomedical potential, is limited by poor heat resistance and mechanical strength. This study blended rigid poly (cyclohexene carbonate) (PCHC) into PPC to enhance properties, but their poor compatibility caused phase separation, restricting performance improvement. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), rich in hydroxy groups, exhibits significant hydrogen bonding interactions with two types of polyester matrices, enabling its use as a compatibilization promoter for polyester materials. However, due to its high polarity and strong crystallinity, MCC tends to disperse poorly within the matrices. Consequently, moderate hydrophobic modification of MCC is required to enhance its compatibility with the matrices. In this work, two methods, namely physical adsorption modification with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and acetylation chemical modification, were employed to hydrophobically modify MCC. The study investigated the effects of incorporating hydrophobically modified MCC, prepared by these different methods, on the surface structure, thermal properties, and mechanical performance of PPC/PCHC blends, as well as its impact on the compatibility of the PPC/PCHC blend system.