Abstract
In the recent past, significant research effort has been dedicated to examining the usage of nanomaterials hybridized with lignocellulosic fibers as reinforcement in the fabrication of polymer nanocomposites. The introduction of nanoparticles like montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay was found to increase the strength, modulus of elasticity and stiffness of composites and provide thermal stability. The resulting composite materials has figured prominently in research and development efforts devoted to nanocomposites and are often used as strengthening agents, especially for structural applications. The distinct properties of MMT, namely its hydrophilicity, as well as high strength, high aspect ratio and high modulus, aids in the dispersion of this inorganic crystalline layer in water-soluble polymers. The ability of MMT nanoclay to intercalate into the interlayer space of monomers and polymers is used, followed by the exfoliation of filler particles into monolayers of nanoscale particles. The present review article intends to provide a general overview of the features of the structure, chemical composition, and properties of MMT nanoclay and lignocellulosic fibers. Some of the techniques used for obtaining polymer nanocomposites based on lignocellulosic fibers and MMT nanoclay are described: (i) conventional, (ii) intercalation, (iii) melt intercalation, and (iv) in situ polymerization methods. This review also comprehensively discusses the mechanical, thermal, and flame retardancy properties of MMT-based polymer nanocomposites. The valuable properties of MMT nanoclay and lignocellulose fibers allow us to expand the possibilities of using polymer nanocomposites in various advanced industrial applications.
Highlights
At present, researchers are aware of the necessity of developing new composite products with high mechanical and thermal stability for structural applications
It is noted that these hydroxyl groups and their ability to form hydrogen bonds play a major role in directing the crystalline packing and govern the physical properties of cellulose
Higher water vapor permeability rate (WVTR) and OTR were shown by poly(butylene) succinate (PBS)/thermoplastic starch (TPS)/organically modified MMT (OMMT) owing to the tortuous structure formed by the exfoliation and intercalation of clay
Summary
Researchers are aware of the necessity of developing new composite products with high mechanical and thermal stability for structural applications. Research revealed that the inclusion of impermeable fillers along with lignocellulosic fiber inside polymer composites is one of the most significant approaches to lower the moisture uptake of composites In this case, the filler factors such as filler concentration, distribution, shape and size would reflect on the water barrier, mechanical, and thermal properties of the final composites [28,29]. Montmorillonite (MMT), the most popular clay nanofiller, is comprised of two silicates layers of octahedral sheets of alumina that are sandwiched together This aluminosilicate with low dimensions of 1–5 nm thickness and 100–500 nm in diameter will impart platelets with a high aspect ratio (>50), providing stiffness and strength to the composite [33]. This work aims to review the recent progress on the impact of MMT fillers hybridised with lignocellulosic fibers on the mechanical and thermal properties of reinforced polymer composites
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