Dispersion and tensile properties of hydrophobizing agent-treated cellulose nanocrystal/polypropylene composites

Abstract

This study examines the mechamical properties of hydrophobizing agent treated cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)/polypropylene(PP) composites. We discovered new hydrophobizing agent(HA) that enables interactions between CNC surfaces. HA helps CNCs dispersion in polyolefins. To form interface between CNC surface and polypropylene, maleic acid polypropylenes were added. Using twin-screw extruder operating at 130rpm and 200°C, CNC/PP composites were prepared by melt-compounding. Tensile tests were carried out to assess the effects of CNC content on the mechanical properties of the CNC/PP composites.