Melt extrusion of CNC based polymer nanocomposites

PEREDA, M; EL KISSI, N.; DUFRESNE, A.

Production and Applications of Cellulose Nanoparticles

TAPPI Press

Año: 2012;

The rheological properties of a dispersion of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in aqueous solutions of polyoxyethylene (PEO) have been investigated. A peculiar behavior is reported. Upon adding CNC, the viscosity of the suspension first decreases and then it increases above a certain concentration. Adsorption of PEO chains on the surface of the nanoparticles has been suspected. Freeze-drying of these PEO-adsorbed CNC dispersions was performed, and the ensuing lyophilizates were extruded with low density polyethylene (LDPE). Thermal stability of PEO-adsorbed CNC was improved with respect to neat CNC. Compared to neat CNC-based nanocomposites, both improved dispersion in LDPE and enhanced mechanical properties were observed, particularly when using a CNC content of 6 wt%. This simple and physical method constitutes an approach of choice for the melt processing of CNC-based nanocomposites with a hydrophobic polymeric matrix applicable at the industrial scale.