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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/cellulose nanocrystal nanocomposite mechanical reinforcement and morphology: the role of nanocrystal pre-dispersion

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Author(s):
Germiniani, Luiz G. L. [1] ; da Silva, Laura C. E. [1] ; Plivelic, Tomas S. [2] ; Goncalves, Maria C. [1]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Campinas UNICAMP, Inst Chem, POB 6154, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[2] Lund Univ, Max Lab 4, POB 118, S-22100 Lund - Sweden
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Journal of Materials Science; v. 54, n. 1, p. 414-426, JAN 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) incorporation in polymeric matrices is an environmentally friendly approach to mechanical reinforcement. In general, significant mechanical reinforcement can only be achieved by means of good CNC dispersion at random orientation. These primary characteristics are even more relevant for the preparation of nanocomposites based on hydrophobic matrices, such as poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL). A straightforward approach to improve CNC dispersion in hydrophobic matrices is their surface modification. However, this extra step is usually complex and often impairs particle-particle interactions, which are also key to mechanical reinforcement. In this work, poly(epsilon-caprolactone)/neat cellulose nanocrystal nanocomposites were prepared by a specific procedure that combined solvent exchange and solvent casting methodologies, avoiding the use of any additives or chemical modification. These nanocomposites were investigated in terms of the CNC percolation network formation and its effect on the overall mechanical properties. The results showed that significant mechanical reinforcement was obtained, reaching a 155% Young's modulus increase at 25 wt% CNC content. TEM showed a percolated network in the PCL/CNC25 nanocomposite. In terms of morphology and nanostructure, increasing CNC concentration also promoted a reduction in PCL spherulite size and lamellar thickness. These results pointed out to CNC preferential localization in the interfibrillar region. In conclusion, the solvent exchange methodology presented herein led to mechanically reinforced PCL/CNC nanocomposites with small crystalline domains intertwined with a percolated CNC network. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 10/17804-7 - Polymeric composites
Grantee:Maria Isabel Felisberti
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 17/50274-0 - Structural characterization of multicomponent biodegradable polymeric systems by synchrotron X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy
Grantee:Maria do Carmo Gonçalves
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 16/02414-5 - Topical and absorbable biomaterials for the local nitric oxide release
Grantee:Marcelo Ganzarolli de Oliveira
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants