Polymeric nanocomposites using nanocellulose with no surface treatment obtained by emulsion polymerization

• Grant number: 16/18709-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: June 01, 2017
• End date: August 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Industrial Operations and Equipment for Chemical Engineering
• Agreement: Coordination of Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES)
• Principal Investigator: Liliane Maria Ferrareso Lona
• Grantee: Ana Paula Mayumi Nozaki
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The application of nanocellulose in the obtainment of polymeric nanocomposites is still very restricted due to the difficulties of dispersing nanocellulose (highly hydrophilic) in monomers and polymers, which are often hydrophobic. Mostly, studies focus on changing the cellulose surface to enable its dispersion; however, this process is expensive and time-consuming, which hinders the production of these nanocomposites in industrial scale. In this research project, emulsion polymerization will be employed to produce polymeric nanocomposites using cellulose without surface treatment as the reinforcement. Initially vinyl acetate will be used due to its solubility in water. Additionally, a recipe with high water/monomer ratio will be used in order to improve the dispersion of non-treated nanocellulose. It is expected that the nanocellulose stays dispersed in the aqueous phase and the emulsifier can promote good water/oil stability. Characterizations of the polymers will be carried out in the latex form (microscopies, stability, and particle size distribution) as well as in the dried form (mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties). It will be defined operating conditions that enable this type of process. A second monomer (methyl methacrylate), with a slightly higher hydrophobicity than vinyl acetate, will also be tested in order to ascertain the robustness of the process. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

NOZAKI, ANA P. M.; LONA, LILIANE M. F.. Comparison between cellulose nanocrystal and microfibrillated cellulose as reinforcement of poly(vinyl acetate) composites obtained by either in situ emulsion polymerization or a simple mixing technique. Cellulose, v. 28, n. 4, JAN 2021. (18/12831-8, 16/18709-4)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

NOZAKI, Ana Paula Mayumi. Production of poly(vinyl acetate) and non-treated nanocellulose nanocomposite by in situ emulsion polymerization. 2019. Master's Dissertation - Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Faculdade de Engenharia Química Campinas, SP.