Performance of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite reinforced with hybrid TEMPO mediated cellulose-graphene filler. (December 2019) - Akindoyo, John O.
Abstract: Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) obtained through TEMPO treatment of pulp was synergized with graphene (GE) nanoparticles to obtain NFC-GE suspension. This was incorporated into aqueous solution of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), as hybrid filler to produce PVA-NFC-GE nanocomposites at fixed wt% NFC and varying wt% GE. Results showed that the reinforcing hybrid filler was more effective at lower wt% GE loading. Specifically, the tensile strength and storage modulus of PVA was raised by 66% and 15% respectively after the incorporation of 1 wt% GE into the PVA-NFC system. On the other hand, higher GE wt% loading offered significant enhancement in water resistance and thermal stability. However, the calculated adhesion factor revealed that the PVA-NFC interfacial interaction was increasingly disrupted as the GE content increased. Generally, at the optimum wt% GE, the nanocomposite produced has great potential for use in applications where good thermomechanical and water resistance properties are desired. Highlights: Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), obtained through 2, 2, 6, 6-Tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy (TEMPO) treatment of pulp, was synergized with graphene (GE) to produce NFC-GE suspension. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite was prepared using hybrid NFC-GE filler as reinforcement. The reinforcing hybrid filler was more effective at lower wt% GE loading. Higher GE wt% loading offered more significant enhancement in water resistance and thermal stability. The nanocomposite is suitable for applications where good thermomechanical and water resistance properties are desired.