A myriad of research has been conducted in the past few decades related to the synthesis of polymers using plant oils as starting monomers with the goal of obtaining polymer from renewable sources. These polymers can be biodegradable therefore would address the growing problems of waste accumulation of traditional plastics. Cottonseed oil (CSO) is an excellent candidate for plant-based polymer due to its abundance, renewability, and potential biodegradability. In our research, we have synthesized a network polymer from epoxidized cottonseed oil (ECSO) using maleic anhydride (MAL) as a crosslinker in varying weight ratios. Mechanical testing showed the ultimate tensile strength of up to  0.4 MPa, stretch ratios of up to 125%, and elastic moduli on the order of 10 MPa. To further enhance the mechanical properties of the network polymer (CNP) we have incorporated cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) in the system. Results for various concentrations of CNCs will be presented. The mechanical, thermal, and structural properties, e.g., types of bonding observed between CNC and other components of networks will also be presented.

Cellulose nanocrystal reinforced cottonseed oil network polymer: Synthesis and characterization

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ACS Fall 2022

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