Inspired by the architecture and function of the skin of sea cucumbers, which exhibits mutable mechanical properties, we developed a family of chemically-responsive, mechanically-adaptive polymer nanocomposites by introducing rigid, hydrophilic cellulose nanocrystals into polymer matrices. In properly processed materials, the cellulose nanocrystals form a percolating, hydrogen-bonded reinforcing network within the polymer matrix. However, their non-covalent interactions can be mediated through exposure to water. Thus, upon aqueous swelling, the reinforcing cellulose network is at least partially disrupted, resulting in a dramatic modulus reduction. This effect is completely reversible, and upon drying the original mechanical properties are restored. Our current understanding of the structure-property relationships in these materials will be discussed on the basis of a range of materials based on different types of cellulose nanocrystals and matrix polymers.

Controlling the properties of mechanically adaptive polymer/nanocellulose composites

243rd National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.