Abstract
On account of their high strength and stiffness and their renewable nature, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are widely used as a reinforcing component in polymer nanocomposites. However, CNCs are prone to aggregation and this limits the attainable reinforcement. Here, we show that nanocomposites with a very high CNC content can be prepared by combining the cationic polymer poly[(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl) trimethylammonium chloride] (PMETAC) and negatively charged, carboxylated CNCs that are provided as a sodium salt (CNC-COONa). Free-standing films of the composites can be prepared by simple solvent casting from water. The appearance and polarized optical microscopy and electron microscopy images of these films suggest that CNC aggregation is absent, and this is supported by the very pronounced reinforcement observed. The incorporation of 33 wt % CNC-COONa into PMETAC allowed increasing the storage modulus of this already rather stiff, glassy amorphous matrix polymer from 1.5 ± 0.3 to 6.6 ± 0.1 GPa, while the maximum strength increased from 11 to 32 MPa. At this high CNC content, the reinforcement achieved in the PMETAC/CNC-COONa nanocomposite is much more pronounced than that observed for a reference nanocomposite made with unmodified CNCs (CNC-OH).
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.
