The reinforced composites of biodegradable polymer matrix
with cellulose whiskers were prepared and potentiality of cellulose
filler modification was measured on the structure and properties of
resulting hybrids. The approach was to balance extraction cost of
natural nano filler through one of the cheapest source, i.e. grass
and promote the adhesion between matrixes by altering the hydrophilicity.
The indication of slight improvement in adhesion was observed
for the composites of modified cellulose whiskers in
comparison with samples prepared from unmodified filler during
study of mechanical characteristics. Increase in fiber content; increase
the possibility of phase separation and composites showed
poor elongation. The unmodified filler reinforced composites were
heterogeneous in nature with numerous locally oriented domains
of cellulose crystals. The prepared composites showed higher or
equal properties than sonicated sample for similar time, proving
the reinforcing effect of filler in the matrix as sonicated samples
exhibited decrease in properties. Although the optimization of
reinforcing effect and investigation for the reinforcing extent by
cellulose whiskers is in progress, still in general, it was concluded
that modified cellulose whiskers may overcome the dispersion
problems up to some extent when employed in solution casting
and may be used as reinforcer for various polymer matrixes.