Tailoring Nanocellulose-Cellulose Triacetate Interfaces by Varying the Surface Grafting Density of Poly(ethylene glycol)

• Careful design of the structures of interfaces between nanofillers and polymer matrices can significantly improve the mechanical and'thermal' properties of the overall nanocomposites. Here, we investigate]how the grafting density on the surface of nanocelluloses influences the properties of nanocellulose/cellulose triacetate (CTA) composites. 2,2,6,6 The surface of nanocellulose, which was preparedby tetramethylpiperidine-l-oxyl oxidation, was modified with long poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains at different grafting_ densities. The PEG -grafted nanocelluloses were h omogene ously embedded in CTA matrices. The mechanical and thermal properties of the nanocomposites were characterized. Increasing the grafting density caused the soft PEG chains to form denser and thicker layers around the rigid nanocelluloses. The PEG layers were not completely miscible with the CTA matrix. This structure consfderably enhanced the energy dissipation by allowing sliding at the interface, which increased the toughness of the nanocomposites. The thermal and mechanical properties of the composites could be tailored by controlling the grafting density. These findings provide a deeper understanding about interfacial design for nanocellulose-based composite materials.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Materialteknik -- Kompositmaterial och -teknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Materials Engineering -- Composite Science and Engineering (hsv//eng)

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)