Preparation and characterization of reinforced poly (ε‐caprolactone) nanocomposites by cellulose nanowhiskers

Abstract

AbstractIn the present work, cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) were extracted from cellulose microfibers powder (CMP) and employed as reinforcement in poly‐(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL). The biocompatible and biodegradable PCL/CNW nanocomposites reinforced by CNWs in various weight percentages of 0, 0.1, 0.5, and 1 wt% were prepared via solvent casting. The morphology of cellulose microfibers and CNWs were evaluated via the optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of PCL/CNWs film nanocomposites were then investigated. The biodegradability and hydrophilicity of PCL/CNWs were improved by increasing the CNWs content. By adding higher loadings of CNWs, the nanocomposite samples showed higher tensile moduli because of the reinforcing effect of CNWs. The linear viscoelastic properties of PCL was not significantly changed with different loadings of CNWs.