Thermoset Polymer-Nanocellulose Nanocomposites

Epoxy-based nanocellulose composites have the potential for wide application due to their high mechanical properties. Epoxy is a thermosetting copolymer, also known 

Nanocelluloses have been mixed or dispersed in various resins using a wide variety of processing techniques. Gong et al. [195] prepared composite from both NFC and CNC in polyvinyl acetate using a master batch followed by melt extrution. Yang et al. 

Resin Nano- cellulose form Strength (Mpa) Elastic modulus (Gpa) Strain to failure(%) Ref. 

While techniques for preparation of nanocellulose-reinforced nanocomposite are different in complexity, they typically involve physically mixing and dispersing the nanocellulose and resin in a solvent system. In many cases, solvent exchange techniques are used, often along with surface modification of nanocellulose to make it compatible with organic solvents and/or the resin system. In this context, nanocomposite films from nanocellulose generally are prepared through three various techniques as below  

by casting on Teflon or propylene dishes followed by water evaporation at moderate temperatures  

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In this chapter, first we will discuss the cellulose and nanocellulose structures. Later, isolation and characterization of cellulose nanofiber and nanocrystal will be addressed. Drying and modification will also be presented in the chapter. At the end, nanocomposite production from nanocellulose with thermoplastic and thermoset polymers will be discussed. 

Applications of all the above nanocellulose-reinforced nanocomposites with thermoplastic and thermoset polymers are mainly considered to be in paper and packaging products, construction materials, automobiles, furniture, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Figure 11.32 shows the application of nanobiocomposites. 

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