Tensile behavior, morphology and viscoelastic analysis of cellulose nanofiber-reinforced (CNF) polyvinyl acetate (PVAc)

Cellulose nanofiber-reinforced (CNF) polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) composites were prepared using the twin-screw extrusion technique. The influence of CNF content on nanocomposites morphology, tensile, and viscoelastic properties was studied. The tensile modulus and strength increased with increasing CNF content, being 59% and 21% higher in 10 wt.% CNF composite compared to neat PVAc. The activation volume at yielding of PVAc was decreased by CNFs, indicating restricted chain mobility. The fracture surfaces of nanocomposites showed bridging of CNFs inside the micro-cracks. The storage modulus increased for all nanocomposites compared to the matrix, being more significant in the rubbery state. Also, the activation energy for the transition increased with increased CNF content. A slight shift and broadening was observed in the tan delta peak for 10 wt.% CNFs composite. The creep strain of PVAc was reduced, whereas the creep elasticity and viscosity calculated from Burger's model were increased by the addition of CNFs. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.