Synergistic effects of cellulose nanocrystals-organic montmorillonite as hybrid nanonllers for enhancing mechanical, crystallization, and heat-resistant properties of three-dimensional printed poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)-organic montmorillonite (OMMT) hybrid nanofillers were prepared, and their effects in reinforcing the performance of three-dimensional (3D) printed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites were studied. The results indicated that the hybrid CNC-OMMT nanofillers had a synergistic impact on enhancing the mechanical properties of PLA nanocomposites compared to either single nanofillers (CNC or OMMT). The dispersion of CNC-OMMT in the PLA matrix was not only significantly improved, but also the hybrid nanofillers did not form pore defects in the nanocomposites. In terms of the crystallization performance, the multidimensional hybrid nanofillers acted as efficient heterogeneous-nucleating agents and increased the PLA crystallization rate. Additionally, the incorporation of the hybrid nanofillers improved the heat resistance of the PLA nanocomposites when the printing platform temperature was adjusted to a temperature within the crystallization temperature range of PLA. The preparation of hybrid nanofillers based on existing nanomaterials and their incorporation into polymers creates a novel route for the development of high-performance polymer nanocomposites.