Polymer/cellulose fiber nanocomposite

Fibers have been widely used in polymeric composites to improve mechanical properties. Cellulose is the major substance obtained from vegetable fibers, and applications for cellulose fiber-reinforced polymers have again come to the forefront with the focus on renewable raw materials. Hydrophilic cellulose fibers are very compatible with most natural polymers. The reinforcement of starch with ceUulose fibers is a perfect example of a polymer from renewable recourses (PFRR). The reinforcement of polymers using rigid fillers is another common method in the production and processing of polymeric composites. The interest in new nanoscale fillers has rapidly grown in the last two decades, since it was discovered that a nanostructure could be built from a polymer and layered nanoclay. This new nanocomposite showed dramatic improvement in mechanical properties with low filler content. Various starch-based nano-composites have been developed. 

Njuguna J, Wambua P, Piehchowski K, Kayvantash K. Natural fibre-reinforced polymer composites and nanocomposites for automotive applications, cellulose fibers bio- and nano-polymer composites. In Kaha S, Kaith BS, Kaur 1, editors. Cellulose fibres bio- and nano-polymer composites. Berlin, Heidelberg Springer 2011. 

Cellulosic Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites and Nanocomposites... 

Fahmy, T. Y. A. and Mobaiak, F. (2008). Nanocomposites fiom natural cellulose fibers filled with kaolin in presence of sucrose. Carbohydrate Polymers 72,751755. 

Ihere are only a few recent studies on the fabrication and characterization of stand-alone bio-polymer nanocomposite films or coatings displaying Hquid repellent properties. Obeso et al. [23] developed a superhydrophobic surface by precipitation of poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) on the surface of cellulose fibers of papers using a phase separation process. The same authors used a similar approach to synthesize biodegradable superhydrophobic poly (L-lactic acid) substrates in order to control cell adhesion. Superhydrophobic/superoleophilic porous poly (L-lactic acid) films were also prepared by Xue et al. for water-oil separation applications [24]. Yohe et al. [25] prepared 3D superhydrophobic materials from biocompatible... 

This chapter reviews the different ways to obtain nanocellulose from several sources (microcrystalline cellulose, natural fibers and agro-wastes), the characteristics of obtained products and the recent advances in biodegradable polymers/cellulose nanocomposites for packaging applications. 

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