Bio-Modified UFBC Interlocking Structure for Enhanced Interfacial Design of PLA Films with Improved Plasticity and Compatibility

Polylactic acid (PLA) films are limited in their further applications due to their high brittleness. To enhance the toughness of PLA-based films, UFBC modified with biocohesive agents (TA-ESO) was used, in this study, to improve compatibility and interlocking adhesion with PLA. Benefiting from the effects of TA-ESO in plasticization and interface improvement, TA-ESO-modified UFBC can make PLA more pliable while establishing a stronger mechanical interlocking structure, thus raising the mechanical properties of the system. Compared to pure PLA films, the tensile elongation of TA-ESO-modified UFBC/PLA composite films increased by 189.11%, and the tensile strength remained at a high level of 23.95 MPa, along with an increase in crystallinity (<i>X</i>_c) from 1.09 to 2.05%. Given their excellent strength and toughness, TA-ESO-modified UFBC/PLA composite films are expected to offer various potential applications in the packaging, medical, and agricultural fields.