Towards mechanically robust cellulose fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites with strong interfacial interaction through dual modification

Abstract

Strong interfacial interaction between bamboo cellulose fiber (BCF) and a polymeric matrix is very important to improve the mechanical properties of cellulose fiber-reinforced polymeric composites. In this study, we developed an effective approach to enhance the interfacial adhesion through modifying both polypropylene (PP) and cellulose fiber. Maleic anhydride was mechanochemically grafted onto PP to achieve the interaction with the reactive hydroxyl groups on the surface of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxy radical (TEMPO)-oxidized bamboo cellulose fiber (TBCF). Fourier transform infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the existence of strong interfacial interaction between TBCF and the modified PP matrix. It was further found by thermogravimetric analysis that about 5 wt% of PP formed a strong combining force with TBCF after melt compounding.The combination of mechanochemical modification of PP and TEMPO-mediated oxidation of BCF showed a synergistic effect on the tensile strength of the prepared composites. The tensile strength of modified PP/TBCF (50/50 wt%) composites prepared through dual modification was remarkably improved compared to those of neat PP/TBCF composites and modified PP/BCF composites, enhanced by about 112.4% and 53.8%, respectively.

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Effect of the dissolution time on the structure and properties of lyocell‐fabric‐based all‐cellulose composite laminates

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Graft copolymers of microcrystalline cellulose as reinforcing agent for elastomers based on natural rubber

“…The copolymers with higher graft ratio indicates higher tensile strength and elongation, which is according with Li's work, while the copolymers with lower graft ratio indicates higher 300% modulus, tear strength and hardness. The possible reason was that the copolymers with higher graft ratio have thicker graft coating, which increased the elongation and improved the physical entanglement between MCC and NR; while the copolymers with lower graft ratio shows strong cellulose properties, which increase the modulus and hardness . Comparing MCC‐ g ‐PEA/NR and MCC‐ g ‐PBA/NR, the tensile strength, 300% modulus, tear strength, and hardness of MCC‐ g ‐PEA/NR were all higher, owing to the stiffer microstructure of PEA.…”