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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.)

Polystyrene/cellulose nanofibril composites: Fiber dispersion driven by nanoemulsion flocculation

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Author(s):
Felix Carvalho, Antonio Jose [1] ; Trovatti, Eliane [1, 2] ; Casale, Cayque Alvarez [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Sao Carlos Sch Engn, Dept Mat Engn, Ave Joao Dagnone 1100, BR-13563120 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Araraquara, UNIARA, R Carlos Comes 1217, BR-14801340 Araraquara, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS; v. 272, p. 387-394, DEC 15 2018.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

The development of composites and nanocomposites based on conventional thermoplastics and nanocellulose or cellulose pulp fibers is of great interest, however it poses a challenge due to the natural tendency of cellulose fibers to form strong aggregates. Fiber dispersion within the non-polar matrix has been widely studied, however, to date there is no description of a viable low cost process showing the potential of practical applications on a large scale for cellulose fiber or nanofibre dispersion without extensive fiber damage or fiber agglomeration. In this paper, we describe an efficient strategy to produce such composites using polystyrene (PS) as a matrix. The method is based on the co-flocculation of polymer nanoemulsion and fiber or cellulose nanofibril (CNF) suspension. The product can then be processed as a conventional thermoplastic after drying. The results obtained from scanning electron microscopy of fragile fractured surfaces and optical microscopy show the effectiveness of the fiber dispersion method. The simplicity of the method developed together with the fact that all the processing is carried out in aqueous media makes the method feasible for scale up in the production of cellulose composites and nanocomposites. The method, in principle, can be applied to any other polymer produced by emulsion polymerization. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/05184-0 - Bionacomposites based on nanocellulose and natural rubber
Grantee:Eliane Trovatti
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral