In this study cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were prepared by sulfuric acid hydrolysis from microcrystalline cellulose and grafted with different strategies: either with two different types of isocyanates (octadecyl and 4-phenylbutyl) or following click chemistry strategy. The modified CNC were characterized through infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), wide angle x-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic contact angle measurements and elemental analysis. The treatment with both strategies considerably decreased the hydrophilicity of the CNC. However, the crystalline structure of cellulose type I was preserved, confirming that the chemical modifications were superficial. Composites of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate terephtalate) with 5 %wt. and 10 %wt. of modified and non modified CNC were prepared through casting and their thermo-mechanical properties analyzed. Results are promising. For example, the tensile properties analysed showed an increased of 120% in the modulus of elasticity and an increase up to 40% in the tensile strength of the composites with isocyanate treated CNC.

Chemical modification of cellulose nanocrystals for biodegradable composite with PBAT

245th National Meeting (2013)

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