Cellulose Whiskers versus Microfibrils: Influence of the Nature of the Nanoparticle and its Surface Functionalization on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Nanocomposites

In the present work, nanowhiskers and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) both extracted from sisal were used to reinforce polycaprolactone (PCL). We report the influence of the nanoparticle’s nature on the mechanical and thermal properties of the ensuing nanocomposites. The surface of both the nanopar...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biomacromolecules 2009-02, Vol.10 (2), p.425-432
Main Authors: Siqueira, Gilberto, Bras, Julien, Dufresne, Alain
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Cellulose - chemistry
Composites
Exact sciences and technology
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Materials Testing
Mechanical Phenomena
Microfibrils
Nanocomposites
Nanoparticles - chemistry
Polyesters
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Technology of polymers
Temperature
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Summary:In the present work, nanowhiskers and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) both extracted from sisal were used to reinforce polycaprolactone (PCL). We report the influence of the nanoparticle’s nature on the mechanical and thermal properties of the ensuing nanocomposites. The surface of both the nanoparticles was chemically modified to improve their compatibilization with the polymeric matrix. N-Octadecyl isocyanate (C18H37NCO) was used as the grafting agent. PCL nanocomposite films reinforced with sisal whiskers or MFC (raw or chemically modified) were prepared by film casting. The thermal behavior (T g, T m, T c, and degree of crystallinity) and the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites in both the linear and the nonlinear range were determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA), and tensile tests, respectively. Significant differences were reported according to the nature of the nanoparticle and amount of nanofillers used as reinforcement. It was also proved that the chemical treatment clearly improves the ultimate properties of the nanocomposites.
ISSN:1525-7797
1526-4602
DOI:10.1021/bm801193d