Abstract
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is regarded as a potential filler in the fabrication of epoxy composites. However, MCC’s hydrophilic nature and strong hydrogen bonds caused by abundant surface hydroxyl groups greatly weaken its compatibility with the epoxy resin. In addition, it remains a challenge to efficiently and heterogeneously modify MCC surface hydroxyl groups. In this work, MCC was epoxidized heterogeneously with a phase-transfer catalyst. Results indicated that 4.48% (by mass) or 58.15% (by coverage) of the hydroxyl groups on MCC was modified. The dispersibility of epoxidized MCC (EP-MCC) in the epoxy resin was significantly improved. At the same time, EP-MCC showed the ability to interact with the epoxy network covalently, improving the interface interactions, indicating the simultaneous enhancement of the modulus and the toughness. As a result, this heterogenous epoxidation method showed high efficiency in reducing the surface hydroxyl content of MCC, endowing it with a bright future in industrial applications of epoxy composites.
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.
