Investigation of thermo-mechanical, chemical and degradative properties of PLA-limonene films reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals extracted from Phormium tenax leaves.

Highlights: [•] Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were successfully extracted from Phormium tenax leaves. [•] Limonene was used as plasticizer for poly(lactic acid) (PLA) based formulations. [•] PLA_Limonene_CNC bio-nanocomposites were produced by a twin-screw microextruder. [•] The addition of limonene positively affects the mechanical properties of PLA. [•] The presence of plasticizer and CNC alters the degradation of PLA bio-nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]