Novel Nanocellulose Reinforced poly (Butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Nanocomposites Prepared by Melt Extrusion and in-situ Compatibilization with Enhanced Benefits

摘要

Nanocellulose fibers have attracted a great deal of attention in the recent years in polymer composite applications due to their appealing intrinsic properties such as nano-scale dimension, low density, high longitudinal modulus and strength, unique morphology, high surface area, renewability and biodegradability. The current research effort aims at developing novel composite materials using anhydride modified Poly (butylene dipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) as the matrix and nanocellulose as the reinforcement as a new path towards fully biodegradable composites with superior performance properties. A reactive extrusion technique is utilized in order to efficiently disperse the particles and chemically react the nanocellulose surface groups with PBAT backbone. Thermal properties of the composites are studied using DSC and TGA. The reinforcing capability of the nanocellulose is studied through the tensile mechanical testing. Finally, Rheological characterization is used to investigate the changes in melt properties of |he matrix upon incorporation of nanocellulose.