We use polypropylene (PP, an apolar polymer) and cellulose nano whiskers (CNW, a polar material) to produce nano polymer composites with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties. To improve compatibility, maleic anhydride grafted PP has also been used as a coupling agent. To enhance the uniform distribution of CNW in the composite, the matrix polymer is dissolved in toluene, and sonification and magnetic stirring are applied. Good film transparency indicates uniform CNW dispersion, but CNW domains in the composite film observed under an scanning electron microscope may indicate slight agglomeration of CNW in the composite film. The tensile strength of the composite compared with neat PP improves by 70-80% with the addition of CNW. The crystallinity has also been improved by about 50% in the CNW reinforced samples. As the content of CNW increases, the composite exhibits higher thermal degradation temperature, higher hydrophilicity, and higher thermal conductivity.

In this study, nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) were prepared by employing three different fabrication methods. These methods include electrospinning of nanofiber webs using a single-component nozzle, electrospinning of nanofiber webs using a coaxial bi-component nozzle, and film casting followed by compression molding. Maleic anhydride grafted elastomeric polymer was used as the polymer matrix. Nanocomposite samples obtained from these three different systems were characterized in terms of morphology, and mechanical and thermal properties. The processing–structure–property relationships of the nanocomposites are discussed in this paper.

OECD Working Papers should not be reported as representing the official views of the OECD or of its member countries. The opinions expressed and arguments employed are those of the author(s).

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