A simple, effective strategy was developed to synthesize a polyimine coated cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) for efficient drying of CNFs and composite reinforcement. The polyimine was synthesized in an aqueous medium using a selective hydrophilic and hydrophobic component which force the material to precipitate before the reverse hydrolysis reaction of the imine could occur. The polymer coating allowed the CNFs to be easily filtered and oven-dried without undergoing hornification, which helped maintain a fibrillar morphology for direct use as composite reinforcement. Synergistic interactions between the polyimine and polymer matrix in these composites provided an enhanced interface between the reinforcing agent and matrix. This facile strategy can be easily adapted to produce polyimine coated CNFs with a unique functionality useful in a range of applications.

Aqueous-phase polyimine functionalization of cellulose for effective drying and composite reinforcement

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