The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a widely used biodegradable polymer, but its limited mechanical performance restricts broader applications. Incorporation of bio-derived nanoparticles provides a promising strategy to improve PLA properties; however, the microscopic understanding of PLA–nanoparticle interactions remains incomplete.
In this study, we investigate PLA-based polymer nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). By combining small-angle scattering and quasi-elastic neutron scattering, we probe the effects of CNC incorporation on the microstructure and chain dynamics of PLA across multiple length and time scales. Rheological measurements further link nanoscale interactions to macroscopic mechanical behavior.
Our results clarify the role of PLA–CNC interfacial interactions in governing structure–dynamics–property relationships and provide insights for designing high-performance, fully biodegradable polymer nanocomposites.