Mechanical and morphological properties of cellulose nanocrystal‐polypropylene composites

Abstract

In this work, the rheological, mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)‐polypropylene (PP) composites prepared in the molten state were investigated. All samples contained a maleated PP used as combatibilizer. Degradation of the PP in the presence of CNCs at high processing temperature was shown to have a significant effect on the rheological behavior. For PPs with two different molecular weights and prepared at different temperatures, the tensile modulus of composites containing 2 wt% CNC was improved by about 30% and the tensile strength was increased up to 16%, in comparison with the unfilled matrices. The tensile strain at break of composites decreased by 17% up to 75% with respect to the matrix, depending on the processing conditions and PP used. Preparing the low molecular weight PP composites via twin‐screw extrusion was shown to be more efficient than using an internal batch mixer. The tensile modulus of the PP/CNC composites could be fairly well described by a model proposed by Nielsen based on the Halpin‐Tsai equation. Finally, properties of the PP/CNC composites have been compared to those of a PP reinforced with flax fibers and a PP filled with nanoclay. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3605–3617, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers

Tuning the localization of finely dispersed cellulose nanocrystal in poly (lactic acid)/bio‐polyamide11 blends

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“…[19][20][21][22] In recent years, numerous studies have been undertaken to prepare CNC nanocomposites employing melt mixing, solvent casting, or a combination of both. 2,[23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31] For example, recently, Dhar et al 29,30 demonstrated a single step reactive extrusion of PLA/CNC nanocomposites with improved processability, recyclability, and potential application for food packaging. Only a very few studies, however, have been conducted so far on the incorporation of CNCs into heterophase polymerpolymer systems.…”

Mechanical performance and biodegradability of polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite films

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Characterization of cellulose nano/microfibril reinforced polypropylene composites processed via solid‐state shear pulverization

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