Cellulose Nanocrystal Reinforced Epoxy Coatings

摘要

An industrial grade WB epoxy coating formulation was adapted for use with CNC aqueous dispersions. The resultant CNC composites have very good dispersion as qualitatively evidenced by the absence of phase separated domains under cross polarized optical microscopy. The addition of CNCs resulted in a decreased thermal stability at temperatures above 150°C most likely due to loss of moisture hydrogen bonded to the CNCs. Thermal stability of the CNCs and source pulp was investigated via the Kissinger method. This showed that the CNCs have substantially reduced thermal stability compared to the source pulp, likely due to the residual sulfuric acid esters imparted during hydrolysis.