Title: Cellulose Nanofibrils Hydrophobized by a One-Pot Aqueous Process for Composite Reinforcement

Authors: Kevin Oesef, Keith Gourlay, Gurminder Minhas, Emily D. Cranston, Yasmine Abdin1

DOI: 10.33599/nasampe/s.24.0091

Abstract: Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) are an abundant, lightweight biopolymer with impressive mechanical properties, and is a promising substitute for heavy and energy-intensive glass fibers. However, the inherent hydrophilicity of CNF is incompatible with hydrophobic polymer resins such as epoxies, causing CNF aggregation and fiber-rich zones. We demonstrate a simple, one-pot, water-based hydrophobization route for CNFs using a tannic acid pre-coat followed by an aliphatic amine graft, which improved water contact angles to 60 degrees and increased the nanofibrillation in dried CNF films. The use of shorter aliphatic amines maintains hydrophobicity and allows purification without solvents. Using a combination of long-life hardener, mold heating (ca. 55 °C), and moderate rotor-stator homogenization, modified CNFs were dispersed in epoxy, achieving a smooth surface finish, low void fraction, and homogeneous fiber distribution. The as-received fiber morphology was preserved, and CNF distribution was verified using X-ray tomography. Our research demonstrates that CNF-reinforced composites can be produced using commercially available CNFs and realize a fully water-based process that can be scaled up industrially.

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Conference: SAMPE 2024

Publication Date: 2024/05/20

SKU: TP24-0000000091

Pages: 16

Price: $32.00