Investigating the Reactive Reinforcement Ability of Maleic Anhydride-Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals via In-Situ...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) offer enhanced thermomechanical properties for engineering applications.
• Chemical modification of CNCs improves compatibility with hydrophobic polymer matrices.
• Investigating reactive reinforcement in nanocomposites is crucial for advanced material development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the reactive reinforcing potential of maleic anhydride-modified cellulose nanocrystals (MACNCBG) during styrene polymerization.
• To compare the performance of MACNCBG with unmodified cellulose nanocrystals (CNCBG) in polystyrene nanocomposites.
• To understand the chemical interactions between modified CNCs and the polymer matrix.

Main Methods:

• Isolation of crystalline nanocellulose (CNCBG) from Lagenaria siceraria peels using Hydrochloric acid.
• Chemical modification of CNCBG to synthesize maleic anhydride-modified cellulose nanocrystals (MACNCBG).
• Characterization of materials using various techniques, including FTIR spectroscopy.
• Fabrication of polystyrene-based nanocomposites with 3 and 5 wt % filler loading.

Main Results:

• MACNCBG showed improved suspension stability compared to CNCBG due to carboxyl group introduction.
• Polystyrene nanocomposites with 3 wt % MACNCBG exhibited enhanced mechanical properties over unmodified CNCBG and neat polystyrene.
• FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of C-C bonds between MACNCBG and polystyrene, indicating reactive compatibility.

Conclusions:

• Maleic anhydride modification enhances the reinforcing ability of cellulose nanocrystals in polystyrene.
• Reactive modification leads to improved mechanical properties in nanocomposites compared to non-reactive counterparts.
• MACNCBG is a promising reinforcing agent for high-performance polymer nanocomposites.