This study explores the possibility of developing robust model to predict storage modulus of PHBV/CNW composites with randomly dispersed and unidirectionally aligned cellulose nanowhiskers. PHBV films with 1.5-7 wt% of cellulose nanowhiskers were manufactured by solution casting method using N,N-dimethylformide (DMF) as a solvent. To align CNW in PHBV/DMF solution a DC electric field of 56.25 kV/m was applied. Both microstructural and mechanical analyses confirmed that the electric field was effective to align CNW up to 4 wt% of CNW loadings. Samples were tested at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 90o with respect to electric field direction by DMA. The results showed that CNW concentration has a main influence on the efficiency of CNW alignment by the external electric field. Anisotropic properties of PHBV/CNW composites were analytically evaluated using micro-mechanics model. Based on orientation angle of CNW to applied load, storage modulus was predicted by Cox �shear lag� model.

Characterization and modeling of mechanical properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)/cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW) composites

244th National Meeting (2012)

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