Enhancement of Thermal and Mechanical Properties: Nanofibrillated Cellulose - Reinforced PHB/PBAT 3D Filaments for Fused Deposition Modeling

Abstract

Abstract Melt extrusion was used to create three-dimensional (3D) filaments reinforced with nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) in blends of polyhydroxybutyrate/polybutylene-co-adipate terephthalate (PHB/PBAT) in various ratios (0.5%, 1%, and 2%). A twin-screw extruder was used to extrude filaments with an approximate diameter of 3mm. Consequently, these filaments were analyses for their rheological, thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties. The PHB/PBAT/NFC blends and neat PHB were compared to assess the effect of blending PHB with PBAT and reinforcing it with NFC. The inclusion of PBAT and the reinforcing effect of NFC were investigated by thermal analysis, which resulted in an improvement in thermal behaviour and stability. However, as illustrated by the result of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), the incorporation of PBAT reduced PHB’s crystallinity. This correspondingly affected its rheological and mechanical strength. The desired tensile properties necessary for three-dimensional (3D) printing can be maintained with the addition of NFC. The highest tensile properties were achieved by the lowest loading of NFC. Additionally, it is proved from the result of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis, for 0.5% NFC loading exhibited a better two-phase system and effective dispersion of NFC. This research expands the potential applications of PHB, including PHB/PBAT blends and PHB/PBAT/NFC composites.