Self-reinforced polylactic acid (SR PLA) composites incorporating cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) were
produced by coating orientated PLA fibres with a polyvinyl acetate (PVAc)–CNW mixture as a binder prior
to hot compaction at 95 C. PLA fibres were produced with an average diameter of 11 (±0.9) lm via a
melt-drawing process at 180 C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the CNWs
imparted roughness to the PLA fibre surface. Cross-sectional examination of the SR PLA composites after
hot-pressing confirmed that the PLA fibres had maintained their morphology. Incorporation of 8 wt%
CNWs within the SR-PLA composites revealed an increase in their flexural strength (48%) and modulus
(39%) compared to the control composite (flexural strength 82 MPa and modulus 3.9 GPa). In addition,
whilst the control SR-PLA composite revealed quite brittle characteristics, the addition of CNWs and PVAc
gave the self-reinforced composite a more ductile behaviour.