Abstract
Biobased composites were successfully prepared using raw materials derived from biomass waste, i.e., an epoxy resin obtained from cardanol and nanocellulose from unbleached hemp fibers. The composites were prepared by solvent exchange and an impregnation of the cellulosic mat with the resin, followed by photocuring. Quantitative conversion was obtained, despite the high amount of fibers (30 wt%) and their absorbance in the UV region of the light spectrum. X-ray diffraction confirmed that the crystalline structure of cellulose did not change during the impregnation and curing process. The cured composites were flexible, hydrophobic, water resistant, transparent with a yellow/brown color, and in the rubbery state at room temperature.
Highlights
Hemp Fibers as a Filler for BiobasedAs sustainability becomes an essential attribute of products and processes, the development of new materials obtained from renewable sources and with environmentally friendly processes is a current research goal
Photocured composites with cellulosic fillers have been obtained with petroleumbased acrylate matrices: Water soluble polymers, such as poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and methacrylate modified polyvinyl alcohol, were used to obtain photocured hydrogels and aerogels [8,9,10]; in order to use as matrices polymers that are insoluble in water, e.g., photocurable hyperbranched acrylates, a solvent exchange process was proposed [11]
In order to follow the advancement of the curing reaction, the composites were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in attenuated total reflectance (ATR) mode using a Nicolet iS50 spectrometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Waltham, MA, USA), equipped with an ATR accessory with a diamond crystal; the spectra were acquired in the 525–4000 cm−1 range, 32 scans per spectrum, and a resolution of 4 cm−1
Summary
Hemp Fibers as a Filler for BiobasedAs sustainability becomes an essential attribute of products and processes, the development of new materials obtained from renewable sources and with environmentally friendly processes is a current research goal. In which both the matrix and the filler are of a natural origin, are an interesting alternative due to their sustainability, especially if they are derived from secondary feedstock (nonedible biomass) They have not yet reach the performances of their petroleum-based counterparts, they are extensively researched for possible applications in fields where extreme performances are not needed, and sustainability is a key requirement in various areas, such as packaging and consumer goods, construction, and transportation [6,7]. In this regard, composites with cellulosic fillers, including nanocellulose, are very interesting due to the huge availability of cellulosic biomass. Photocured composites with cellulosic fillers have been obtained with petroleumbased acrylate matrices: Water soluble polymers, such as poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and methacrylate modified polyvinyl alcohol, were used to obtain photocured hydrogels and aerogels [8,9,10]; in order to use as matrices polymers that are insoluble in water, e.g., photocurable hyperbranched acrylates, a solvent exchange process was proposed [11]
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