2007 Research Highlights

Research Area:
Forest Service Strategic Goal 6: Conduct mission-related work in addition to that which supports the agency goals.
SPA: Resource Management and Use

Composites Made from Polymers Reinforced with Cellulose Nanocrystals

Key Contact: Ron Sabo, rsabo@fs.fed.us

Fillers and reinforcements are used to influence the mechanical performance of polymers and recently, nanoparticles have been intensively investigated for use in polymer composites. Nano-scale reinforcing fibers can also be derived from wood. The tiny crystalline regions, of which cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are composed, are the strongest component of wood fibers and are about ten times stronger than the wood fibers themselves. These CNCs typically have high aspect ratios, with diameters of about 10 nm or less and lengths of hundreds of nanometers. Because of their small size, high aspect ratios, and remarkable strength, CNCs are a logical choice for reinforcing biocomposites and thermoplastics. FPL scientists are optimizing the system chemistry, composite morphology, and preparation methods to enhance the properties of plastics reinforced with CNCs. This also includes exploring novel applications of composites made with CNCs. Scientists have improved the thermal stability of CNCs, allowing them to be incorporated into polymers such as polypropylene. By optimizing the reinforcement potential through better isolation and chemical modification techniques and improved composite preparation, we believe that CNCs will soon be competitive with other nanoparticle fillers in both performance and cost.