Nanocelluloses Reinforced Bio-Waterborne Polyurethane

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of two kinds of bio- nano-reinforcements, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and bacterial cellulose (BC), on the properties of castor oil-based waterborne polyurethane (WBPU) films. CNCs were obtained by the acidolysis of microcrystalline cellulose, while BC was produced from Komagataeibacter medellinensis. A WBPU/BC composite was prepared by the impregnation of a wet BC membrane and further drying, while the WBPU/CNC composite was obtained by casting. The nanoreinforcement was adequately dispersed in the polymer using any of the preparation methods, obtaining optically transparent compounds. Thermal gravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, dynamical mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, contact angle, and water absorption tests were carried out to analyze the chemical, physical, and thermal properties, as well as the morphology of nanocelluloses and composites. The incorporation of nanoreinforcements into the formulation increased the storage modulus above the glass transition temperature of the polymer. The thermal stability of the BC-reinforced composites was slightly higher than that of the CNC composites. In addition, BC allowed maintaining the structural integrity of the composites films, when they were immersed in water. The results were related to the relatively high thermal stability and the particular three-dimensional interconnected reticular morphology of BC.

Influence of Starch on the Structure–Properties Relationship in Polyethylene Glycol/Polycaprolactone Diol Polyurethanes

“…Another investigation conducted by Arevalo F.R et al [ 19 ] concluded that adding chitosan as a filler in a polyurethane matrix synthesized from castor oil does not affect mechanical and thermal properties but also improves the L929 cell’s viability. Furthermore, Hormaiztegui M et al [ 20 ] added cellulose nanocrystals to the polyurethane matrix, finding that the mechanical and thermal properties were reinforced. Around starch particles, Gaaz T et al [ 21 ] loaded starch in a thermoplastic polyurethane matrix, reporting that fillers increase tensile strength by 17% with 1.5% starch.…”

Fluorescent cellulose nanocrystals/waterborne polyurethane nanocomposites for anti-counterfeiting applications

“…30 Presently, numerous WPU/nanocellulose nanocomposites have been reported that exhibit dramatic enhancement in mechanical properties after the incorporation of minute amounts of nanocellulose. [31][32][33] However, nanocomposites based on fluorescent nanocellulose and WPU have not been reported to date.…”