Properties of polyacrylamide composites reinforced by cellulose nanocrystals

In this work, a series of polyacrylamide/cellulose nanocrystal (PAM/CNC) composites with a wide range of compositions were prepared by a solution casting method. Subsequently, the influence of the PAM conformation on the behaviour of the PAM/CNC composites was studied. The microstructural, thermal, and mechanical properties of the PAM/CNC composites were also investigated, as well as their flocculation and dispersion behaviour. Thermal degradation of both CNC and PAM in the composites occurred simultaneously, at a much higher temperature than the degradation of the neat CNC. By TEM and SEM, PAM globule aggregates in the PAM/CNC composites were detected. With an increase in the medium acidity, the PAM globule aggregate size of in the composites decreased. Moreover, the composite films cast from high pH solutions (extended PAM conformation) exhibited superior strength properties than those cast from low pH solutions (contracted coil PAM conformation). The PAM globule conformation provided good re-dispersibility of the freeze-dried PAM/CNC composites by preventing aggregation of the CNC particles. The PAM globule adsorption onto the CNC particles caused CNC surface hydrophobization and a decrease in their surface charge, while maintaining high colloidal stability of the CNC suspensions. Furthermore, the CNC particles with adsorbed PAM were demonstrated to be useful as emulsifiers and compatibilisers.