Melt processable microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites were successfully prepared by twin-screw extrusion. Several characterization techniques were used to investigate the effect of MCC on rheological behavior, morphology, crystallization and melting behavior of the PLA and structure-property correlation of the MCC/PLA composites has been established. Rheological measurements showed that the addition of MCC has a dramatic influence on the low frequency relaxations of PLA chains and above 5 % of MCC, it forms percolated network structure. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis showed that MCC acted as nucleating agent enhancing crystallization below the percolation concentration. Properties of MCC/PLA composites have been compared with that of talc and CaCO3 filled composites. Talc is found to be more effective in crystallizing PLA than MCC and CaCO3. MCC/PLA composites are found be melt processable like that of talc and CaCO3 filled PLA composites.

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