Mechanical Performance and Transparency of Nanocellulose Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites

Cellulosic nanofibers in the form of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have been prepared from alfa and rachis of date palm tree. Nanocomposites were prepared by casting/evaporation from these materials using an acrylic polymer in the form of latex as the matrix. Dynamic mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated and the rubbery modulus was found to depend mainly on the aspect ratio of the cellulosic nanoparticles. Higher aspect ratio resulted in higher reinforcing capability. However, surprisingly the transparency of the films decreased for a given nanofiller content when the diameter of the nanoparticle decreased. Percolation of the nanofiller was suggested as being responsible for these two observations.