compounding [18-20]. In a study by Iwatake et al. [21], microfibrillated cellulose
(MFC, microfibrillated cellulose, mostly consisting of nanofibers) was used to
reinforce polylactic acid (PLA) with the goal of making sustainable ‘greencomposites’.
In a recent report by Jonoobi et al. [18], the effect of chemical
modification of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) on the properties of polylactic acid (PLA)
nanocomposites was evaluated. The results showed that the tensile and dynamic
mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were enhanced compared to neat PLA
matrix. As regards cellulose-PLA nanocomposites, previously published papers focused
on the physical, mechanical or thermal properties of PLA nanocomposites. However,
the present study is aimed at a comprehensive assessment of the different functional
properties of produced PLA/CNF nanocomposites. The effect of nanofiber loading on
the phase morphology, dispersion of nanoparticles, physical, mechanical, thermal and
barrier properties of the resulting PLA/CNF nanocomposite films are also investigated
in detail.