Thermal analysis of kenaf derived cellulose-filled poly(lactic acid) composite films

Thermal analysis of KDC-filled PLA composite films were carried out using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction. The composites composed of KDC loading ranging from 0 to 60 % (based on dry weight of PLA) were prepared via melt blending which followed by hot and pressing procedure to produce films with thickness of 0.30 mm (±0.05mm). From TGA, incorporating higher loading of KDC in the composites reduced the degradation temperature in comparison to neat PLA, indicating less thermal stable composites. From DSC, with the exception of the slight increment in melting temperature (Tm), other thermal properties namely glass transition temperature (Tg), and crystallization temperature (Tc), remain unaffected by the presence of increasing KDC loading in PLA matrix. The percentage of crystallinity (%Xc) do not show a clear trend with increasing KDC loading in PLA composites. In conclusion, with just a slight increment of approximately 6 °C in Tm, KDC-PLA composites can be processed without changing the novel operating temperature of processing PLA. It is also worth noting that the ability of KDC-PLA composites to degrade at lower temperatures in comparison to PLA is considerably vital during thermal decomposition.

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