Abstract
Bio-based nanocomposites were obtained through covalent linkage between cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and the natural polymer chitosan (CH). The CNCs were first functionalized with methyl adipoyl chloride (MAC) and the reactive end groups on the surface of the CNCs were reacted with the amino groups of the CH biopolymer in an aqueous medium. The functionalized CNCs and the resulting nanocomposites were characterized using FTIR, TEM, XRD, and elemental analyses. Characterization of the functionalized CNCs showed that up to 8% of the hydroxyl groups in the nanocrystals were substituted by the MAC residue. The covalent linkage between the CNCs and CH was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The nanocomposites demonstrated a significant improvement in the mechanical performance and a considerable decrease in the hydrophilicity relative to the neat chitosan. The approach used in this work can be extended to other natural polymers.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
