Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have been widely used as a reinforcing component in polymer nanocomposites due to their ability to form percolation networks within a variety of matrices. Above the percolation threshold, the stress-transfer process is thought to be facilitated by the formation of a hydrogen-bonded CNC network. However, CNC aggregation can take place at high concentrations, which limits the amount of CNCs that can be added to a polymer and the potential reinforcement. This presentation will review several recent approaches to address this problem, which include the addition of a small amount of a judiciously selected polymeric dispersant that also serves as a binder among the CNCs, the use of CNCs with different aspect ratios, the decoration of CNCs with a “universal” surface agent, and the fabrication of single-component nanocomposites.

Polymer nanocomposites with cellulose nanocrystals

254th National Meeting (2017)

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