Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are a material that have a high theoretical tensile modulus, aspect ratio, are bio-renewable, and have a low future cost outlook. Polyethylene is commonly used as a barrier material in packaging applications. CNCs have been used as a filler material to reinforce polyethylene and other materials. However, previous attempts to add CNCs to polyethylene matrices have always required mixing steps. The prospect of combining the CNC filler and polyethylene matrix without mixing was realized by direct polymerization of ethylene gas onto the CNCs. The high filler content CNC polyethylene composites produced in this manner were mechanically tested and imaged.

Incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals into poly(ethylene) matrix by polymerization filling

255th National Meeting (2018)

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