DMA Tests Research Articles

Achieving toughening of PEEK via preparation of thermally stable and crystalline PEKEKK nanospheres by microemulsion method

PEEK resin is difficult to toughen because of its unique molecular structure. In this paper, polyether ketone ether ketone ketone (PEKEKK) which has a molecular chain structure similar to PEEK but higher melting point was used to toughen PEEK. Firstly, the soluble PEKEKK was synthesized and used to prepare nanospheres with uniform and controllable particle size through microemulsion method. Then, the PEKEKK nanospheres with crystallinity and good thermal stability were obtained by acidification. The nanospheres and nanocomposites were characterized by TGA, DSC, DMA, SEM, polarizing microscopy and Charpy impact test. Without extra compatibilizer or surface modification, the impact toughness of PEEK/PEKEKK nanocomposites (2.0 wt% nanospheres) improved to 6.63 kJ/m2 with an increase of 47.33%, while not impairing the tensile and flexural properties. Moreover, the toughening mechanism of the PEKEKK nanospheres in PEEK resin were discussed. The strategy provides a novel solution for the toughening of PAEK with high strength.

Mechanical and Thermo-Mechanical Performance of Natural Fiber-Based Single-Ply and 2-Ply Woven Prepregs.

This paper presents a study conducted on prepregs manufactured by a novel method for the impregnation of a thermoplastic matrix. Different composite prepregs based on polypropylene and reinforced with natural fibers (e.g., basalt and jute fibers) were developed. The mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties were investigated. DMA tests were conducted at 1 Hz frequency and properties such as storage modulus and damping (tan δ) were evaluated. The overall mechanical properties of the basalt fiber composites were found to be superior to that of the jute fiber-based samples. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) of the composite samples showed that the thermal degradation temperatures of the basalt-based composites shifted to higher temperature regions compared to the PP or jute fiber composites. The addition of basalt fiber considerably improved the thermal stability of the composite samples. Microscopic images of the tensile fractured composite samples illustrated better fiber-matrix interfacial interaction due to the novel technology of prepregs. Single-ply and 2-ply prepregs showed significantly superior mechanical, thermal, and thermo-dynamical performance compared to the control sample (pure PP). 2-Ply composites demonstrated higher modulus, tensile strength, and storage modulus due to the higher fiber volume fraction. Basalt-based samples showed a minimum weight loss of about 57% up to 700 °C in contrast to 96.05% weight loss in the jute-based samples and 98.4% in the case of pure PP. The heat resistance index (THRI) is more than twice for basalt compared to jute and PP. Furthermore, the superior thermal stability of basalt is reflected in its DSC curves, showing the highest endothermic peak. The technique of using the resin in the form of thermoplastic yarns offers cost effective and efficient alternatives for composite manufacturing.

The conversion of woody oils into E-octadec-9-enedioic acid and multiple-shape memory polyamides

Although tremendous efforts have been made to convert woody oils into valuable chemicals, most of the known protocols still require multi-step procedures and rigorous conditions. Herein, a highly efficient method for converting woody oils into long-chain unsaturated dicarboxylic acid was reported. Such a strategy holds promises for opening new routes for utilizing woody oils. Firstly, self-metathesis of fatty acids from Rubber seed oil (RSO), Sapium sebiferum oil (SSO) and High oleic Canola oil (HOCO) were optimized. Pure E -octadec-9-enedioic acid monomer (C18) was obtained, and confirmed by 1 H NMR and FTIR spectra. The prepared dicarboxylic acid was then experienced condensation polymerization with 1,6-hexamethylenediamine. The chemical structures of the obtained polyamides were investigated by FTIR and 13 C NMR spectra. DSC, TGA, DMA, and tensile testing was used to explored their thermal and mechanical properties. Interestingly, due to the existence of broad melting and glass transition, the prepared polyamides possess multiple-shape memory properties. • Woody oils were successfully converted into long-chain unsaturated diacid via self-metathesis. • Although woody oils contain high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, only C18 were obtained via self-metathesis. • Mechanical strong polyamides with multiple shape-memory property were obtained via polycondensation.

Polypropylene and Graphene Nanocomposites: Effects of Selected 2D-Nanofiller’s Plate Sizes on Fundamental Physicochemical Properties

The authors developed a nanocomposite using polypropylene (PP) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) with a melt mixing method. Virgin PP was filled with three sets of GNPs with a fixed thickness (15 nm) and surface area (50–80 m2/g). The selected H-type GNPs had three different sizes of 5, 15 and 25 µm. The nanocomposites were made by loading GNPs at 1, 2 and 3 wt.%. Mechanical analysis was carried out by performing tensile, flexural and impact strength tests. The crystalline, micro-structural, thermal and dynamic mechanical properties were assessed through XRD, FESEM, PLM, DSC, TGA and DMA tests. It was observed that all three types of GNPs boosted the mechanical strength of the polymer composite. Increasing the nanofiller size decreased the tensile strength and the tensile modulus, increased the flexural strength and flexural modulus, and increased the impact strength. Maximum tensile strength (≈41.18 MPa) resulted for the composite consisting 3 wt.% H5, whereas maximum flexural (≈50.931 MPa) and impact (≈42.88 J/m) strengths were observed for nanocomposite holding 3 wt.% H25. Graphene induced the PP’s crystalline phases and structure. An improvement in thermal stability was seen based on the results of onset degradation (TD) and melting (Tm) temperatures. Graphene increased the crystallization (Tc) temperatures, and acted like a nucleating agent. The experimental analysis indicated that the lateral size of graphene plays an important role for the nanocomposite’s homogeneity. It was noted that the small-sized GNPs improved dispersion and decreased agglomeration. Thus overall, small-sized GNPs are preferable, and increasing the lateral size hardly establishes feasible characteristics in the nanocomposite.

A comparative study of carboxylic acids on the cross-linking potential of corn starch films

Starch is among the renewable resources currently highly researched to replace conventional polymers. Cross-linking, which is one of the efficient approaches for modifying starch polymers, is employed in this study. Tartaric, oxalic, and citric acids are used as cross-linking agents, and their cross-linking capability is investigated. DSC, DMA, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and water absorption tests were used to determine the property of the starch film samples. The results demonstrated that citric, tartaric, and oxalic acid could cross-link starch with a potential in their respective orders. This could be because citric acid contains one more carboxyl functional group than tartaric acid and oxalic acid. Tartaric acid was better than Oxalic acid for the two more hydroxyl groups available in it. The number of carbonyl functional groups was found to have a more significant cross-linking influence than the number of hydroxyl functional groups in cross-linking starch. Consequently, Citric acid cross-linked starch (CTPS) outperforms tartaric acid cross-linked starch (TaTPS), oxalic acid cross-linked starch (OTPS), and thermoplastic starch (TPS) in properties such as water resistance, tensile strength, and dimensional stability.

Low-temperature preparation of novel fluoro-fluoro semi-interpenetrating polymer networks as a strong, tough and safe polymer binder for PBX

This work provides an energy saving strategy for strengthening and toughening fluoroelastomer (linear F2314) by using liquid fluorine rubber (HTLF-700). A series of semi-interpenetrating polymer networks based on the F2314 and the crosslinked HTLF-700 (namely F23-CLF-X semi-IPNs) were firstly prepared at low temperatures and characterized using FTIR, SEM, EDS, TGA, DSC, DMA and tensile testing et al. The as-prepared F23-CLF-30 semi-IPNs film possessed well interpenetrating co-continuous phases and thus exhibited prominent mechanical performance with the higher tensile strength (33.0 MPa), the larger elongation at break (165.0%), the better mechanical stability at high and low temperature shock and the higher high-temperature creep resistance compared with the F2314. Meanwhile, the arc Brazilian test indicates that F23-CLF semi-IPNs could be a promising candidate as a polymer binder for polymer bonded explosive (PBX).

Scratch hardness as a quasi-intrinsic parameter to measure the scratch resistance of polymers

In this work four different polymers (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, high-impact polystyrene, rubber-toughened polybutylene terephthalate, linear low-density polyethylene) were characterized in terms of their bulk (modulus and yield stress) and surface (scratch hardness) mechanical properties. The intrinsic time-dependence of the materials was addressed by performing DMA and compression tests at varying testing speed/frequency, exploiting time-temperature superposition and Eyring's model to obtain data at strain rates compatible with scratch experiments. The latter were performed by applying different loading histories (constant depth or load) and indenters. Scratch hardness was determined using Pelletier's model; it was demonstrated that such a parameter provides a reliable and almost intrinsic (i.e. loading history independent) evaluation of scratch resistance, seen as the resistance the material opposes to indenter penetration. The material compressive yield stress (evaluated at the strain rate relevant to scratch phenomena) was found to be the key controlling factor in determining scratch hardness. It can therefore be taken as a measure of the mechanical scratch resistance when evaluating the possible effects of variables such as material composition, crystallinity, physical ageing … Its relation with other aspects of the scratch phenomenon (in particular deformation recovery) was also explored, accounting for the specific deformation regime imposed by the indenter (transitioning from elastic to predominantly plastic).

Rigid, stretchable and full recyclable cellulose reinforced thermoset elastomer composites for photothermal conversion and Joule heating

The utilization of biomass resource to fabricate multi-functional thermoset elastomer with full recyclability and high stretchability is desirable but remains challenging. Herein, a cellulose reinforced thermoset elastomer with excellent recyclability and stretchability is designed to address this challenge. To fabricate the thermoset elastomer, the cellulose macro-crosslinker bearing maleimide group was utilized to react with the furan modifying poly(styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene) (SBS) through thermally reversible Diels-Alder (DA) reaction to construct the dynamic crosslinked thermoset elastomer. The formation of dynamic crosslinked network was demonstrated by stress relaxation, swelling, and DMA tests. Importantly, the formation of the dynamic crosslinking network not only improved the mechanical property, but also endowed the thermoset elastomer with thermal recyclability and solid-state plasticity, and the recycling efficiency was 88.1 %. Furthermore, the recyclable thermoset elastomer composite doping with CNT showed excellent and reliable photothermal conversion and Joule heating performance, and the surface temperature of the composite film rapidly reached 126.3 °C under the voltage of 7.5 V by Joule heating. These thermoset elastomer composites showed promising applications in the fields of photoelectric generators and rapid deicing coating.

Damping Capacity of Ti–Nb Shape Memory Alloys Evaluated Through DMA and Single-Impact Tests

Damping Capacity of Ti–Nb Shape Memory Alloys Evaluated Through DMA and Single-Impact Tests

Synthesis of High Injection Molding Performance and Low Acetaldehyde Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) by Eco-Friendly and Highly Active Titanium Catalyst

In this paper, ECO-friendly titanium magnesium catalyst with high activity was synthesized, and titanium based bottle polyester was synthesized on a 30,000 ton annual industrial plant. At the same time, the characterization and processing properties of titanium based and antimony based polyester were studied. Compared with commercial antimony based polyester, TMPC chips had faster SSP rate and lower AA content, easier crystallization and high catalyst activity, easy to form macromolecular chains, and the rheology of polyester melt also showed a wider processing range. However, the chain end thermal degradation reaction of titanium based bottle chips was slightly larger than that of antimony based bottle chips, and the α transition temperature in DMA test also led to the molecular chain motion of titanium bottle chips is more easily affected by temperature, which was not conducive to maintaining a better viscosity drop and AA value of bottle preform for a long time in the high-temperature injection molding process. To sum up, according to the performance test results, by using TMPC catalyst and adjusting the processing conditions to control the injection molding process of TMPC polyester, titanium bottle preform with better viscosity drop and AA content can be obtained. Finally, the bottle preform with a weight of 28.5g was prepared by using titanium TMPC bottle chips. The injection molding processing temperature was reduced by 10 °C, the viscosity drop was equivalent to that of commercial antimony bottle preform, the end carboxyl group was reduced by 54%, the color index b value was reduced by 17.3%, and the AA content was reduced by 19.8%.

Thermo-Hydro-Glycol Ageing of Polyamide 6,6: Microstructure-Properties Relationships.

The microstructural evolutions occurring during the thermo-hydro-glycol ageing of an injection molded PA66 were studied. They were correlated to the evolutions of its mechanical properties. The aged samples were immersed in an antifreeze fluid—mainly composed of water and ethylene glycol—at varying times and temperatures. The aim was to combine an as exhaustive as possible microstructural investigation and a rigorous mechanical analysis. Consequently, the microstructure of the aged and unaged PA66 was assessed through the average molar mass, the diameter of the spherulites, the lamellae thickness, the crystallite’s apparent size, a crystal perfection index, and a crystallinity index. Moreover, a core-skin approach was set up. The mechanical consequences of the microstructural changes were investigated by DMA and tensile testing. The local true strain fields were measured with a digital image correlation system. The temperatures and strain rates of the tests were chosen by referring to the time-temperature superposition principle. It is concluded that the water and ethylene glycol intake resulted in an intense plasticization, the loss of the molar mass resulted in the embrittling of the polymer, and finally, it was identified that the changes of the crystalline structure have an influence on the stiffness of PA66.

Evaluation of tensile property of SLA 3D printed NextDent biocompatible Class I material for making surgical guides for implant surgery

In the field of additive manufacturing (AM), keeping aside all conventional methods like casting and welding, 3D printing is a great technology. Where SLA plays a very important role as it deals with liquid converting into solid form when exposed to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays). But still SLA 3D printing is not used as a manufacturing process on a greater scale due to the fact that data available on technical datasheets are often unreliable. Obtaining mechanical properties of 3D printed parts are difficult to obtain as there might occur changes in its properties due to orientation error. This research aims the angle of orientation is best for which types of loads respectively fracture test and DMA test where there is a possibility of getting different mechanical properties at different orientation angles and to minimise the error while testing, taking an average of 3 specimens for each angle and for different tests. Final conclusion on which angle of orientation is 00 where author has taken all stress–strain graph and load-extension graph under consideration. This systematic study of manufacturing facilities under additive manufacturing of SLA 3D printed specimen will be used as a reference for the selection and promotion of best orientation for printing of surgical guide for tensile load in the bio- medical industry too.

Stability of damping capacity and mechanical properties of high-Zn-concentration Al–Zn–Mg–Sc alloy

The microstructure, damping capacity, mechanical properties, and the performance stability of high-Zn-concentration Al–Zn–Mg–Sc alloys after annealing treatment were studied. The Al–20Zn–0.5 Mg–0.5Sc alloy contained fine grains, a high number of solution atoms, Zn phases, Al 3 Sc phases, and high-density fine η and η' phases. Decreasing the Zn content led to the disappearance of the Zn phases and the decrease of intragranular η phases density and solution atom number. Increasing the Mg content did not increase the number of solution atoms but increased the size of the intragranular η phases. The Al–20Zn–0.5 Mg–0.5Sc alloy exhibited higher internal friction value and higher strength than the other two alloys because of its satisfactory grain boundaries and Al/Zn interface sliding ability at high temperature, as well as its high solid solution and second phase strengthening effects at room temperature. All annealed Al–Zn–Mg–Sc alloys exhibited excellent damping capacity and mechanical properties stability during the DMA test at the highest temperature of 360 °C due to their high structural stability. • A novel Al alloy with excellent damping capacity, mechanical properties, and performances stability was obtained. • The satisfactory GB and Al/Zn interface sliding ability led to the Al–Zn–Mg–Sc alloy exhibited well damping capacity. • The high solid solution and second phase strengthening effects led to the Al–Zn–Mg–Sc alloy exhibited high strength. • Sc addition and annealing led to the Al–Zn–Mg–Sc alloy exhibited excellent structural and properties stabilit.

Preparation of BTCA‐esterified cellulose nanocrystals and effects on mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene composites

AbstractIn this study, cross‐linked cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were esterified using 1,2,3,4‐tricarboxylic acid (BTCA) to decrease the hydroxyl content of the nanocellulose, control its hydrophilic/hydrophobic degree, and improve its compatibility with the polypropylene (PP) matrix. The mechanical and physical properties of nanocellulose‐reinforced polypropylene composites were investigated after they were manufactured via melt extrusion using a twin‐screw extruder. FTIR and XPS analysis revealed that the nanocellulose chain was successfully esterified utilizing BTCA. The results from SEM and Mapping demonstrated that the nanocellulose was spread equally throughout the matrix. By characterizing the 5 wt% CNC/PP composite material with DMA and tensile testing devices, the elongation at break decreases, the rigidity increases, and the tensile strength increases to 50.5 MPa, a 25.5% increase over pure polypropylene. Simultaneously, DSC data demonstrated that nanocellulose provided a heterogeneous nucleation site, expedited polypropylene crystallization, and was advantageous for polypropylene processing. According to the results of TG/DTG, esterified CNC/PP composites containing 5% CNC had the highest thermal resistance, with Tonset and Tmax increasing by up to 66 and 11.6°C, respectively, when compared to pure PP. Following a thorough investigation and evaluation of the samples' mechanical and thermal properties, it was determined that BTCA esterification cross‐linking is an effective method for surface modification of nanocellulose, as it increases the compatibility of nanocellulose with polypropylene, improves the mechanical properties of polypropylene, and thus expands its application range.

Light‐driven self‐healing castor oil based polyurethane film with enhanced mechanical properties

AbstractTo meet the need of alleviating the pressure of petrochemical industry and environmental protection, polyurethane (PU) made from castor oil (CO) as polyols, replacing petrochemical based crude material has attracted a lot of recognition over the past decades. For the sake of prolonging the service life of materials, it is also necessary to endow vegetable oil‐based polymers with self‐healing properties, which is seldom involved in present study. Currently, optically responsive self‐healing system has attracted extensive attention because of its easy control and simple occurrence. However, the problem of low self‐healing efficiency also puzzles the current research of this self‐healing system. In this study, cinnamoyl group was introduced into bio‐based PU as end blocking agent. The photoresponse reversible cycloaddition reaction of cinnamyl groups and the acceptable chain fluidity of CO provided the possibility for the self‐healing properties of polymers. The dimerization degree of [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions was as high as 58% under UV light for 36 h from UV–vis spectrum. Investigation of the optical healing property indicated that incision on the surface of certain PU sample was completely repaired and healing efficiency enhanced up to 93.1%, with the introduction of cinnamoyl group. What is more, the results from TGA, DMA and tensile tests suggested that the prepared PU samples showed excellent comprehensive performance.

Double modified amino phenolic resin particles: A novel modifier to thermally stable, mechanically-strong and tough epoxy

We proposed a method to prepare double modified amino phenolic resin (D-APS) particles, which includes a hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent two-step modification. The prepared D-APS particle has a uniform spherical morphology. There were abundant and evenly dispersed amino hydrogen and phosphaphenanthrene groups on its surface. The formed D-APS/epoxy composite possesses improved mechanical properties at room and cryogenic temperature. At room temperature, the tensile strength of epoxy composite firstly increased and then decreased with the increase of D-APS loading. A maximum tensile strength of 98.4 MPa was obtained when the D-APS loading was 3.0 wt%. The fracture toughness of D-APS/epoxy composite containing 3 wt% D-APS particle was 1.68 MPa m1/2. At 90 K, a maximum tensile strength of 208.4 MPa was obtained when the D-APS loading was 3.0 wt%. The corresponding KIC is 3.23 MPa m1/2. A 49 °C increase in 50 wt% mass loss temperature for epoxy composite containing 3 wt% D-APS particle is observed. DMA tests show that D-APS was also helpful to increase the glass transition temperature of epoxy composites. Possible modification mechanism of D-APS/epoxy composites was also discussed.

Flexible Composite Films Made of EMAA-Na+ Ionomer: Evaluation of the Influence of Piezoelectric Particles on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties.

Studies that aim to produce flexible films of composite materials based on ionomers-PZT, and volume fractions lower than 10% PZT, in order to monitor damage in aeronautical structures are seldom investigated. The growing emphasis on the use of polymers capable of self-healing after damage or activation by heating has motivated the application of self-healing ionomers as polymeric matrices in composites with piezoelectric particles aiming to monitor damage. Flexible composite films were developed based on the self-healing polymer matrix Surlyn® 8940 ionomer (DuPontTM—Wilmington, DE, USA) and PZT particles (connectivity 2–3) in volume fractions of 1, 3, 5 and 7%, with thickness around 50–100 µm. The choice of PZT volume fractions followed the preliminary requirement that establishes a final density, which is lower or at least close to the density of the materials used in aeronautical structures. Since the application of composites based on epoxy resin/carbon fibers has been increasing in the aeronautical segment, this material (with density lower than 1500 kg/m3) was chosen as a reference for the present work. Thus, due to self-healing (a characteristic of the matrix Surlyn® 8940) combined with recyclability, high flexibility and low thickness, the flexible composite films showed advantages to be applied on aeronautical structures, which present complex geometries and low-density materials. The manufactured films were characterized by SEM, XRD, DMA and mechanical tensile tests. The results were discussed mainly in terms of the volume fraction of PZT. X-ray diffraction patterns showed coexistent rhombohedral and tetragonal phases in the PZT particles-dispersed composite, which can potentialize the alignment of ferroelectric domains during polarization under strong electrical field, enhancing dielectric and piezoelectric properties toward sensing applications. DMA and tensile testing results demonstrated that the addition of PZT particles did not impair either dynamic or quasi-static mechanical performance of the flexible composite films. It was concluded that the PZT volume fraction should be lower than 3% because, for higher values, the molecular mobility of the polymer would suffer significant reductions. These findings, combined with the high flexibility and low density of the ceramic particle-filled thermoplastic polymer, render the developed flexible composite film a very promising candidate for strain and damage sensing in aeronautical structures.

Improvement of structural, thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy composites and bonded joints exposed to water environment by incorporating boron nanoparticles

This research aims to investigate the effects of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and hexagonal boron carbide (h-B 4 C) nanoparticles on the epoxy composites and single lap joints against hydrothermal ageing and resultant degradations of mechanical, thermal and structural properties. The undoped, h-BN and h-B 4 C nanoparticles doped epoxy composites and single lap joints were fabricated and then exposed to distilled water for 20, 40, and 60 days. Water absorption, FT-IR, SEM, DSC, DMA and tensile tests were performed to characterize the epoxy composites after hydrothermal ageing. In addition, a tensile test was performed to determine the failure load of the single-lap joints bonded with undoped, h-BN and h-B 4 C doped epoxies. It was seen from the experimental results that the ageing time and the doping of boron nanoparticles into the epoxy resin changed the rates of degradation. The degradation in the mechanical and thermal properties of h-BN and h-B 4 C nanoparticles doped epoxy composites occurred to a lower extent than undoped epoxy. After 60 days of the hydrothermal ageing, the storage modulus and the tensile strength of undoped epoxy composites decreased by approximately 30% and 29%, while these degradation rates were determined as 16% and 18% in the h-BN doped epoxy composites, respectively. Similarly, the degradation of thermal and mechanical properties of h-B 4 C nanoparticle doped composites is lower than that of undoped composites. Additionally, it was observed that the joints bonded with h-BN and h-B 4 C doped epoxies exhibited better mechanical performance after the hydrothermal ageing. The failure load of the undoped, h-BN and h-B 4 C doped epoxy joints was decreased by 34%, 19% and 20% at the end of 60 days of ageing, respectively. The results of this research work are thought to benefit the wide and safe application of epoxy resin systems in engineering applications.

Crosslinking of Starch Using Citric Acid

With a purpose of improving mainly the water resistivity and related physical and mechanical property of starch biopolymer, citric acid was used to modify the chemical structure of starch by crosslinking the polymer chains. Corn starch films were produced first dispersing 4% (w/w) starch in water, adding glycerol (36% of the weight of starch) and citric acid (20% of the weight starch) successively allowing them to react at different pH. Water absorption, FTIR, DMA, DSC and SEM tests were done to characterize the thin film samples. Results showed that availability of glycerol is a critical factor for the crosslinking and plasticity property of the film. Samples prepared with citric acid crosslinked starch without the inclusion of glycerol were brittle and has easily disintegrated in water as crystals. The crosslinking reaction done under acidic condition was found more effective than the other reactions. Generally, citric acid has effectively crosslinked corn starch polymer molecules reducing the amount of hydroxyl group in their structure. As a result improvement in the water resistant is observed.

Remarkable toughness reinforcement of elastomer with cellulose microgel: Employing polymer matrix and cellulose nanofiber network as the continuous phase and energy dissipation agent

Double-network reinforcement strategy has been widely used to improve hydrogels' toughness but is rarely applied in bulk polymer. The key to this strategy is introducing sacrificial bonds to improve strength and maintain the integrity of the polymer matrix at high elongation, dissipating applied energy as much as possible. In this study, a micron-sized microgel was employed as a sacrificial agent to reinforce polymer matrix. A simple and versatile process was introduced for the fabrication of cellulose microgel/ poly(butyl acrylate(BA)-co-methyl methacrylate(MMA)) nanocomposites by in situ free-radical polymerizations of BA and MMA complex monomer solution contained with well-dispersed cellulose microgels. After polymerization, the microgels were found homogeneously distributed within the polymer matrix. The organic-phase bacterial cellulose microgels (OB-microgel) reinforced polymer exhibited marvelous performance in the tensile test. The ultimate strength, Young's modulus, and toughness of P(BA-co-MMA) reinforced with 1.0 wt% OB-microgel were 1.13 MPa, 1.09 MPa, and 1.11 KJ m−3, about 2–3 times higher than neat P(BA-co-MMA) respectively. Moreover, a high strain to failure similar to the neat P(BA-co-MMA) was maintained. This reinforcement was mainly attributed to the sacrificing effect of microgel, not the formation of a percolation network, which was also supported by DMA test. Hence, cellulose microgel consisting of cellulose nanofiber network was demonstrated to be an efficient energy dissipation agent for the continuous phase of the polymer matrix to acquire high strain to failure and high tensile strength.