Synthesis of ecofriendly poly lactic acid PLA composites using agro based fillers for packaging applications

Abstract

Biodegradable fillers are used to reinforce the PLA films to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of the films. To begin with Cellulose was extracted from rice straw fibers via alkali treatment. Further cellulose fibers and lignin were surface modified with lactic acid using Sn-Zr, Zr-Al, Sn-Al catalyst while they were modified with hexamethylene diisocyanate using Sn(Oct)2. The modification was optimised on various parameters and the surface modified cellulose and lignin fillers were incorporated in PLA polymer matrix to form films. The films were characterised on their mechanical properties, water permeability, water absorption, surface contact angle, thermal properties. newline