Biodegradable PLA composites were prepared using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and silver (Ag)
nanoparticles. The main objective of the present study is to develop new biopolymer composites with
good mechanical properties, thermal stability, maintaining the optical transparency and also providing
antimicrobial properties through silver nanoparticle introduction. Composites were prepared with 1%wt
of Ag nanoparticles and 5%wt of MCC using a twin-screw microextruder; film parameters were optimized
in order to obtain a thickness range between 20 and 60 mm.
PLA composites maintained optical transparency properties of the matrix, while MCC was able to
reduce polymer permeability. Thermal analysis revealed that MCC increased PLA crystallinity and the
mechanical properties of the composites demonstrated that tensile modulus was improved by microcrystalline
cellulose.