Composites from Polyurethane and Cellulose Nano/Microcrystals

M. L. AUAD; S. NUTT; N. E. MARCOVICH; M. I. ARANGUREN

Ventura, California, USA

Conferencia; Gordon Conference, Composites; 2006

Submicron cellulose crystals were prepared and utilized as reinforcements for polyurethane composites. The cellulose nano/micro crystals were prepared by acid hydrolysis of micocrystalline cellulose (MCC). The crystals were incorporated into a polar organic solvent and ultrasonicated to obtain a stable suspension. The suspension was an effective medium for incorporating the cellulose crystals into a polyol-isocyanate mixture. Polyurethane composite films were cast from the solvent-free mixture by low-pressure molding. The resulting composite material was characterized by rheological, thermo-mechanical and mechanical testing. The analysis of the results indicated percolation in the uncured system, while a strong covalent filler-matrix interaction was developed in the cured elastomeric nano/micro structured materials.