Bio-based composites of poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted cellulose nanocrystals in poly(lactic acid)

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are bio-based nanofillers that allow access to sustainable composites with enhanced property profiles. However, obtaining the CNC dispersion required to achieve optimal composite reinforcement can be a challenge. Incorporation of polymer-grafted CNCs into bio-based polymers is one way to address this issue; however, the question remains: how do we optimize the variables associated with CNC polymer grafting (e.g. molecular weight, grafting density, polymer volume fraction) to maximize the properties of these sustainable materials? In this work, we use poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted CNCs to analyze the effects of polymer molecular weight and grafting density on the properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites and develop structure/properties relationships help to inform future sustainable polymer composite design.