Morphology and mechanical properties of poly(ethylene brassylate)/cellulose nanocrystal composites.

Poly(ethylene brassylate), a novel inexpensive biodegradable polyester, has been reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with the aim of improving its thermal stability and mechanical properties. The composites have been characterized through calorimetry, tensile tests, thermogravimetry and electron microscopy. The addition of small amounts of CNCs improves both the stiffness and the ductility of the composites, suggesting the existence of some compatibilizing effect.