Regenerated cellulose-dispersed polystyrene composites enabled via Pickering emulsion polymerization

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Cellulose composites offer renewable and biodegradable advantages.
• The matrix-filler interface significantly influences composite properties.
• Regenerated cellulose (RC) presents a promising, eco-friendly nanofiller.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare uniformly dispersed polystyrene/regenerated cellulose (PS/RC) composites.
• To investigate the effect of RC concentration on composite network formation and properties.
• To evaluate the thermal stability, mechanical properties, and optical transmission of the developed composites.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of an oil-in-water Pickering emulsion of styrene stabilized by RC.
• In-situ polymerization of styrene within the Pickering emulsion.
• Rheological testing to determine RC network formation.
• Characterization of thermal stability, tensile mechanical properties, and visible light transmission.

Main Results:

• Uniformly dispersed PS/RC composites were successfully synthesized.
• A spontaneous RC network formed above 0.8 wt% RC concentration, confirmed by rheology.
• RC addition improved thermal stability and tensile mechanical properties of polystyrene.
• Average visible light transmission decreased minimally (1-5%).

Conclusions:

• Regenerated cellulose is an effective Pickering stabilizer for creating advanced polymer composites.
• The developed PS/RC composites offer enhanced performance with retained optical clarity.
• RC is a viable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly nanofiller for novel composite materials.