Bio-based polyurethane reinforced with cellulose nanofibers: A comprehensive investigation on the effect of interface. (20th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Benhamou, Karima; Kaddami, Hamid; Magnin, Albert; Dufresne, Alain; Ahmad, Azizan
• Is Part Of: Carbohydrate polymers. Volume 122(2015)
• Page Start: 202
• Page End: 211
• Publication Date: 2015-05-20
• Subjects: PCL-based polyurethane -- Nanocomposites -- Cellulose nanofibers -- Interface -- Solubility parameters; Polysaccharides -- Periodicals; Polysaccharides -- Periodicals; Polysaccharides -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 547.78
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.12.081
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-8617

Abstract

Highlights: CNC and CNF reinforced bio-based polyurethane nanocomposites were prepared. Fully biodegradable high-performance nanocomposites were obtained. Detailed investigation of thermal and mechanical properties was reported. Solubility parameters were calculated. Difference in properties between CNC and CNF is quantified through solubility parameters. Abstract: Novel bio-based polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites composed of cellulose nanofiller extracted from the rachis of date palm tree and polycaprolactone (PCL) diol based PU were prepared by casting/evaporation. Two types of nanofiber were used: cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). The mechanical and thermal properties of the nanocomposite films were studied by DMA, DSC, and tensile tests and the morphology was investigated by SEM. Bionanocomposites presented good mechanical properties in comparison to neat PU. While comparing both nanofillers, the improvement in mechanical and thermal properties was more pronounced for the nanocomposites based on CNF which could be explained, not only by the higher aspect ratio of CNF, but also by their better dispersion in the PU matrix. Calculation of the solubility parameters of the nanofiller surface polymers and of the PU segments portend a better interfacial adhesion for CNF based nanocomposites compared to CNC.