Novel nanocomposite concept based on crosslinking of hyperbranched polymers in reactive cellulose nanopaper templates

Marielle Henriksson , Linda Fogelström , Lars A. Berglund (1) , Mats Johansson (1) , Anders Hult (1)

1 KTH - KTH Royal Institute of Technology [Stockholm]

Cellulosic fibers offer interesting possibilities for good interfacial adhesion due to the high density of hydroxyl groups at the surface. In the present study, the potential of a new nanocomposite concept is investigated, where a porous cellulose nanofiber network is impregnated with a solution of reactive hyperbranched polyester. The polymer is chemically cross-linked to form a solid matrix. The resulting nanocomposite structure is unique. The matrix surrounds a tough nanopaper structure consisting of approximately 20 nm diameter nanofibers with an average interfiber distance of only about 6 nm. The cross-linked polymer matrix shows strongly altered characteristics when it is cross-linked in the confined space within the nanofiber network, including dramatically increased Tg, and this must be due to covalent matrix-nanofiber linkages.

Mots clés: A. Nano composites; B. Fibre/matrix bond; B. Interface; D. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA); Cellulose nanofiber

Domaines: Matériaux

Marielle Henriksson, Linda Fogelström, Lars A. Berglund, Mats Johansson, Anders Hult. Novel nanocomposite concept based on crosslinking of hyperbranched polymers in reactive cellulose nanopaper templates. Composites Science and Technology, 2010, 71 (1), pp.13. ⟨10.1016/j.compscitech.2010.09.006⟩. ⟨hal-00702323⟩