Abstract
Interfacial adhesion between immiscible cellulose–polymer interfaces is a crucial property for fibrous biocomposites. To tailor the interfacial adhesion, the grafting of polymers from cellulose films was studied using ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone. The poly( ε-caprolactone) (PCL) grafted cellulose was analyzed with FTIR, AFM and via water CA measurements. The graft length was varied by the addition of a free initiator, enabling tailoring of the interfacial toughness. Films of microfibrillated cellulose were grafted with PCL and hot-pressed together with a PCL-film to form a bilayer laminate. Interfacial peeling toughness correlates very strongly with PCL degree of polymerization (DP). PCL grafts form physical entanglements in the PCL matrix and promote significant plastic deformation in the PCL bulk, thus increasing interfacial peeling energy.
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.
