Abstract
This study examines the mechanical properties of thermo-plastic elastomer composites containing cellulose nanomaterials(CNs). To form interface between CNs and polyamide12(PA12), surface of CNs was coated with a hydrophobizing agent(HA). HA helps CNs dispersion in PA12. CNs made from wood are roughly classified into cellulose nanofibers(CNF) and cellulose nanocrystals(CNC). CNF have a length of 5 μm or more, and diameters ranging between 4 and 100 nm. CNC is needle-like with lengths ranging between 100 and 500 nm, and diameters ranging between 10 and 50 nm. CNC and two types of CNF with different lengths were used to assess the effects of aspect ratio of CNs on tensile properties and dispersibility. Using twin-screw extruder operating at 130rpm and 230°C, CNs/PA12 composites were prepared by melt-kneading. The results showed that compared with CNC/PA12 composites, CNF/PA 12 composites showed highly dispersibility. The CNF content had a negligible effect on the dispersibility of the CNF into CNF/PA12 composites. It was found that aspect ratio of CNs have a strong effect on the dispersibility of CNs in PA12 matrix. The rigidity of the CNs/PA12 composites was increased compared with neat PA12.
