Water Barrier Properties of PLA-based Cellulose Composites

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA)-cellulose-based composites have gained great interest due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxic nature. They have a wide range of applications in food packaging, medical, textiles, electronics, and other sectors. The overall properties of PLA-based composites can be improved by the chemical modification of nanocellulose. Nanocellulose can impart a significant effect in improving the performance of PLA composites. There are several experimental studies that suggest superior mechanical, thermal, UV barrier, water barrier, and gas barrier properties of PLA-based cellulose composites. The strong interfacial interaction and the formation of hydrogen bonding between PLA and cellulose is the reason for the improved water barrier properties of PLA-based cellulose composites. This chapter will discuss the properties of cellulose nanomaterials, their functionalization, antimicrobial properties, and various types of PLA-cellulose-based composites.