Polymer composites are of particular interest because they enhance the properties of polymers when compared with neat materials due to the presence of a filler. Factors such as size of dispersed phase and aspect ratio improve mechanical, physicochemical and thermal properties. Considering these aspects, this study focused on the development and characterization of polypropylene and bacterial cellulose (BC) composites. Cellulose is an interesting material to be used as reinforcement due to its properties allied to its availability. The composites were prepared in a twin screw extruder. Thermogravimetry showed that the increase in bacterial cellulose concentration is related to an increase in the initial and peak temperature, meaning an increase in the composite thermal stability. Mechanical properties were measured and it was verified decrease in yielding stress with the decrease of BC concentration, but elastic modulus presented a slightly increase (up to 10%), meaning that this filler actually behaves as reinforcement and the composite becomes stiffer.
