The optical characterization of the films confirmed a synergic effect
of LNP and CNC nanoparticles in terms of transparency and UV light blocking capability, moreover the combination of the
two lignocellulosic nanofillers at the two selected weight content proved to be effective also in enhancing nucleation and
crystal growth with respect of binary reference systems (PLA/3LNP and PLA/3CNC). Furthermore, the best mechanical performance, both in terms of tensile strength and elastic modulus, was revealed for the ternary system containing 1 wt% LNP
Fig. 6. FESEM images of fractured cross sections for PLA and PLA nanocomposite films containing cellulose nanocrystals and lignin particles in binary and
ternary systems.
10 W. Yang et al. / European Polymer Journal 79 (2016) 1–12
and 3 wt% CNC, confirming the role of cellulose nanostructures in reinforcing PLA based nanocomposites and the real possibility to improve this property adding nanoscaled lignin in a synergic manner. Thermal results, as well as the different
obtained morphologies for CNC and LNP reinforced PLA nanocomposites, confirmed that good dispersion of the nanostructures, due to the masterbatch/grafting combination