Rheological and mechanical properties of cellulose/LDPE compositesusing sustainable and fully renewable compatibilisers

Abstract

Cellulose composites with polyethylene (PE) permit to reinforce this commodity polymer, while at the same time introduc-ing renewable content and thus minimizing the use of petroleum-based feedstocks. Herein, we report on two fully renewably sourcedand sustainably synthesized compatibilisers based on amylose and starch, which allow for such cellulose dispersion in low-density PE(LDPE). These compatibilisers advantageously combine the hydrophilicity of carbohydrates with the hydrophobicity of fatty acids. Uponextrusion of cellulose, LDPE, and the compatibilisers, a significantly improved dispersion of cellulose within LDPE was observed usingrheology at loadings of 10 wt % cellulose and 5–15 wt % compatibiliser. Moreover, an improved interfacial adhesion was observed usingscanning electron microscopy and was also confirmed by the mechanical properties, notably the Young’s modulus, as a result of thegood stress transfer betweenfiller and matrix material. This study highlights the potential of fully renewable compatibilisers for thepreparation of composites of cellulose and the commodity plastic LDPE.