Rheological behaviour of nanocellulose reinforced unsaturated polyester nanocomposites

Nanocellulose (NC) reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPR) composites were prepared by mechanical mixing process. Effect of isora nanocellulose on the properties of polyester composites has been studied in detail. Rheological properties of unsaturated polyester resin suspensions containing various amounts (0.5, 1 and 3 wt%) of nanocellulose were investigated by oscillatory rheometer with parallel plate geometry. Analysis of curing revealed that the time required for gelation in NC filled UPR is lower than neat resin, which describe the catalytic action of NC on cure reaction. NC reinforced polyester suspensions showed shear thinning behaviour initially and at higher shear rates they showed Newtonian behaviour. Tensile and impact properties showed superior behaviour revealing improved interfacial bonding between nanofiller and the polymer matrix. With respect to the neat polyester the percentage increase in tensile strength of 0.5 wt% NC reinforced composite is 57%. Optical and atomic force microscopic studies confirmed that the dispersion state of NC within the polyester matrix was adequate. Maximum glass transition temperature is obtained for 0.5 wt% NC reinforced composite, which showed an increase of 10 degrees C than neat resin. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.