Chemical modification of nanocrystalline cellulose for improved interfacial compatibility with poly(lactic acid)

Several methods for chemical modification of nanocrystalline cellulose by poly(glutamic acid) were tested. The best one was based on partial oxidation of cellulose followed by reaction of the resulting aldehyde groups with terminal amino groups of poly(glutamic acid). The modified cellulose filler had an improved compatibility with hydrophobic poly(L-lactic acid) matrix for the preparation of composite materials.