In situ fabrication of cellulose nanocrystal‐silica hybrids and its application in UHMWPE: Rheological, thermal, and wear resistance properties

Abstract

Novel cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)‐silica (SiO2) nanohybrids with a better thermal stability were successfully fabricated by sol–gel method. In this unique hybrid architecture, it was found that silica particles were uniformly adsorbed/anchored by the CNC via covalent bonding and hydrogen bonding. Subsequently, the nanocomposites containing nanofillers (CNC‐SiO2 nanohybrids or CNC), ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), polyethylene glycol (PEG), were prepared by the twin screw extrusion and their properties and structure were systematically investigated. With the incorporation of CNC‐SiO2 nanohybrids (or CNC) into the UHMWPE matrix, the tensile strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus, vicat softening temperature, and crystallinity of the ensuing nanocomposites were significantly increased. Meanwhile, the nanofiller could enhance the wear resistance of UHMWPE. Notably, compared to CNC, the unique beaded structure of CNC‐SiO2 nanohybrids could endow the UHMWPE with an overall superior performance. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1701–E1713, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers

Cellulosenanocrystals‐organicmontmorillonite nanohybrid material by electrostatic self‐assembly

“…Therefore, relying on some interaction mechanism, the inorganic phase with excellent thermal stability has a certain barrier effect on the thermal decomposition of the organic phase in the organic–inorganic hybrid. [ 30,31 ] In our previous work, [ 32,33 ] CNC‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane and CNC–SiO 2 nanohybrids with good thermal stability were successfully prepared. Hu et al [ 34 ] demonstrated that a hybrid filler of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs)/silica hybrid filler (HNTs‐silica) was fabricated by electrostatic self‐assembly in deionized water.…”

Process Optimization of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene/Cellulose Nanofiber Bionanocomposites in Triple Screw Kneading Extruder by Response Surface Methodology

“…According to Zhou et al [ 17 ], the presence of a filler in the UHMWPE matrix may contribute to some load-bearing capacity, such as increased stiffness and hardness, thus reducing the stress applied on the polymer. Studies by Li et al [ 18 ] and Wang et al [ 19 ] showed relatively lower wear volume, which was generated by the incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), indicating the potential of nanocellulose materials as a UHMWPE filler for improving the wear resistance. The viability of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells was significantly higher, while the inflammatory response of macrophage RAW 264.7 cells was lower when grown on UHMWPE/CNC composite, proving the biocompatibility and non-toxicity of nanocellulose materials as a UHMWPE filler.…”

Optimizing 3D printing performance of acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene composites with cellulose nanocrystals/silica nanohybrids

“…The nanohybrid material prepared by hybridizing inorganic materials with CNCs not only can improve the thermal stability of the CNCs but can also exhibit unique properties by combining the properties of the original components. At present, some breakthroughs have been made in the research on CNC nanohybrid materials, and the inorganic materials used are related to graphene oxide, quantum dots, calcium carbonate, silica (SiO 2 ) etc. Among them, nano‐silica (nano‐SiO 2 ) has a small size effect, a large specific surface area and a quantum size effect, imparting high strength and thermal stability .…”

“…Among them, nano‐silica (nano‐SiO 2 ) has a small size effect, a large specific surface area and a quantum size effect, imparting high strength and thermal stability . The novel CNC‐SiO 2 nanohybrid materials have been proved by our group to have excellent properties and have achieved satisfactory results in terms of the wear resistance of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene . Unfortunately, research on the use of novel organic–inorganic nanohybrid materials with excellent properties to improve the performance of FDM filaments and printed products has not been reported.…”