Chapter 6 - One-Pot Nanofibrillation and Nanocomposite Production Through Extrusion

Abstract

In this chapter, potential industrial processes using extruders for nanofibrillation, the surface modification of nanofibrils, and melt-compounding with plastics are introduced. Continuous twin-screw extrusion is the preferred method for the process. The mixing efficiency of twin-screw extruders depends on the type of screw elements. Many kinds of screw elements are available for use according to purpose and design of screw configuration for corresponding melt-processing. For the practical goal of cellulose nanofiber/plastic nanocomposite production, some technical innovations, such as masterbatch preparation, solid-state shear pulverization, and the semione-pot process, have been developed. Finally, lignocellulose/plastic nanocomposites were achieved through a reactive processing method using an extruder with specific screw elements and configuration in a one-pot process. When the appropriate extruder conditions were applied to lignocellulosic materials, the nanofibrillation of materials proceeded successively in the extruder, and then the nanofibrillated materials were continuously compounded with matrix plastics to produce nanocomposites directly with notably high mechanical properties.