이축압출을 통한 베타-키틴나노섬유 강화 PLA 복합체 제조

Abstract

In this study, we report on the fabrication of PLA composites incorporating β–chitin nanofiber (ChNF) as nanofiller for improving mechanical ductility of PLA. Raw β–chitin powder was sourced from squid pen, and then chemically modified with succinyl anhydride followed by nanofibrillation to obtained succinylated ChNF (SChNF). After compounding PLA with SChNF at 1wt%, 2 wt% and 3 wt% using TSE (twin screw extrusion), the mechanical properties of the specimens produced by injection molding are evaluated in tensile testing. As a result, at 1wt% loading of SChNF, the PLA/SChNF composite showed improved elongation at break (28.6 %) and toughness (8.97 MJ/m3), while not compromising its tensile strength compared to neat PLA (63.5 MPa). Tensilefractured surfaces were analyzed by SEM to determine the effect of SChNF filler on the improved mechanical properties.