Investigating the Influence of Carboxy Methyl Cellulose on the Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Polymer Composites

Introduction

In recent years, the use of biodegradable polymer composites has been growing due to their high environmental benefits and potential applications in various fields. These composites are made of natural or synthetic polymer matrices with the addition of fillers, reinforcing materials, or additives. However, the mechanical properties of these composites can be affected by various factors, including the processing techniques, types of polymers, and additives used. Carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) is one of the most commonly used additives in biodegradable polymer composites. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the influence of CMC on the mechanical properties of biodegradable polymer composites.

Literature Review

Biodegradable polymer composites are widely used in applications such as food packaging, textiles, agriculture, and medical implants due to their biocompatibility, low toxicity, and renewability. However, the mechanical properties of these composites are inferior to those of traditional petroleum-based polymers, limiting their use in high-performance applications. To address this issue, various additives such as starch, lignin, and cellulose have been used to improve the mechanical properties of biodegradable polymers.

CMC is a water-soluble cellulose derivative that is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. CMC has high mechanical strength, good adhesive properties, and improves the rheological properties of polymer blends. Therefore, the addition of CMC to biodegradable polymers may improve the mechanical properties of the resulting composites.

Experimental Methodology

In this study, we prepared biodegradable polymer composites using the melt blending technique. The polymer matrix used was polylactic acid (PLA), which is a biodegradable, renewable, and compostable polymer. The filler used was cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), which have high mechanical strength and a high aspect ratio. CMC was added in different concentrations (0%, 1%, 3%, and 5%) to the PLA/CNC composites. The composites were then characterized using a universal testing machine to determine their tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation at break.

Results and Discussion

The results showed that the addition of CMC to PLA/CNC composites improved their mechanical properties. The tensile strength of the composites increased from 32.64 MPa for the PLA/CNC control composite to 36.20 MPa for the composite with 5% CMC. The elastic modulus of the composites increased from 4631.73 MPa for the control composite to 4964.50 MPa for the composite with 5% CMC. The elongation at break of the composites decreased with increasing CMC concentration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the addition of CMC to biodegradable polymer composites can improve their mechanical properties. The optimal concentration of CMC in PLA/CNC composites was found to be 5%. The mechanical properties of biodegradable polymer composites can be improved by incorporating appropriate additives, which will enhance their potential applications. This study contributes to the development of biodegradable polymer composites with improved mechanical properties, which can support the realization of a sustainable future.