Utilization of microalgae residue and isolated cellulose nanocrystals: A study on crystallization kinetics of poly(ɛ-caprolactone) bio-composites.

Abstract

Exploration of biodegradable materials for conventional application has taken a rising interest across the world. The presented work primarily focused on exploring the effectiveness of isolated CNCs from marine de-oiled green algae biomass residue (Dunaliella tertiolecta) in synthesized poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL). The washed algae biomass residue (WABR) and algae derived CNCs were explored as two different bio-fillers incorporated into PCL for comparison and development of biodegradable and flexible bio-composites with varying bio-filler loading. FTIR, XRD, TGA, UTM, DSC, POM, and SAXS characterized the developed PCL/WABR and PCL/CNC bio-composites. Improved thermal stability was observed in PCL/CNC bio-composites by ~10\u202f°C rise. Besides, increased modulus of 18.38\u202fMPa and tensile strength was obtained in PCL/CNC/1 bio-composites. However, the isothermal kinetics study (at 45\u202f°C) revealed the reduction in the degree of crystallinity of bio-composites, and the axialite formation was visualized via POM. Moreover, CNCs was found as an excellent nucleating agent and effective bio-filler as compared to WABR.