Abstract
Syntactic foams and their reinforcement with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) in a thermosetting polyester resin (PR) matrix were studied in order to provide a pathway for lightweight composites for automotive applications with enhanced performance including thermomechanical properties and water uptake. A novel method for coating hollow glass spheres (HGS) with CNC was developed. Various combinations of functionalized CNC and surface modified HGS were studied to determine interactions between the two materials. Surface analysis techniques indicated that CNC were successfully deposited onto the HGS surface and remained at the surface after compounding with PR. Dynamic mechanical analysis of composites samples indicated a 30% increase in high temperature storage modulus between CNC coated HGS samples and uncoated HGS samples. Shifts in tan(δ) peak intensity and beta-relaxation temperature also indicated an increase in interphase volume around CNC coated HGS as compared to uncoated HGS samples. Coating HGS with CNC reduced the maximum water adsorption by as much as 40% indicating the potential for this material system in high moisture environments.
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.
