Abstract
A sheet-like nano-biocomposite, comprising nanoplatelets of expanded graphite and thermosetting polymer resin from cardanol on the surface of cellulose nanofibrils defibrillated from rice straw has been fabricated. Blends of cardanol thermosetting resin (CTR) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) with varying amounts of expanded graphite (EG) were used in preparation of the CTR/CNF/EG nano-biocomposites. Direct (shear) mixing with hot plate magnetic stirrer at 1100 rpm and high shear mixing with laboratory disperser (high-speed Ultra-Turaax IKA T25) at 300 rpm were employed in the fabrication process to obtain nano-biocomposite with homogeneous blend. Morphological and microstructural analysis revealed that rice straw CNF has a rough topography and an average diameter of 22 nm, while uniform distribution of EG nano-sheets was observed in the CTR/CNF/EG blends. Notable enhancement in the mechanical (71 % increment) and thermal behaviour (287 °C) were observed on inclusion of 5.0 wt% concentration of EG. Water absorption behavior of the nano-biocomposite was greatly improved at 5 wt% (70 % reduction) upon EG incorporation. Flammability analysis of the CTR/CNF/EG nano-biocomposites revealed significant enhancement in flame repression when compared to pristine CTR and CTR/CNF blends. An improved WCA (from 86 to 121°, a maximum increase of 51 %) and a high thermal conductivity of 0.98 W/ mK, a 239 % increase over CTR, was achieved for the nano-biocomposite with 5 wt% filler content. The results of the flammability, water absorption, mechanical and thermal properties of the fabricated nano-biocomposites suggest applicability in coatings systems and automotive applications, where weight reduction and the amount of VOC’s released to the environment is of great importance. • A sheet-like nano-biocomposite was fabricated from cardanol thermosetting resin, cellulose nanofibrils and expanded graphite. • Rice-straw-was successfully defibrillated into cellulose nanofibrils. • Cellulose nanofibrils and expanded graphite are effective reinforcement for cardanol thermosetting resin. • The overall fabrication process is sustainable and economically viable.
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