Electrospun Nanocomposites from Polystyrene Loaded with Cellulose Nanowhiskers

Composite microfibers from polystyrene and cellulose nanowhiskers were produced by electrospinning. The morphology of the microfibers was examined by using scanning and transmission electron microscopies. Surface porosity, unique ribbon-shapes, and the presence of twists along the fiber axis were observed in the composite microfibers. Thermomechanical properties of processed nanocomposites were studied by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamical mechanical analyses. The reinforcing effect of cellulose nanowhiskers was confirmed as the glassy modulus of electrospun microfibers increased with nanowhisker load. This effect is explained to be the result of mechanical percolation of cellulose nanowhiskers forming a stiff and Continuous network held by hydrogen bonding. It is demonstrated that cellulose nanoparticles can be used effectively to reinforce hydrophobic matrices and to produce unique structural properties, enabling new functionalities and properties. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 113: 927-935, 2009