Simple Method for the Melt Extrusion of a Cellulose Nanocrystal Reinforced Hydrophobic Polymer

The rheological properties of a dispersion of;. cellulose, nanocrystals (CNCs) in an aqueous solution of polyoxyethylene (PEO) have been investigated. A peculiar behavior is reported. Upon adding CNC, the viscosity of the first decreases and then increases. Adsorption, of, PEO chains on the surface of the nanoparticles has been suspected. Freeze-drying of this PEO-adsorbed CNC dispersion was performed, and the ensuing lyophilizate was extruded with low density polyethylene. Compared to neat CNC-based nanocomposites, both improved dispersibility and thermal stability were observed This simple and physical method constitutes an approach of choice for the melt processing of CNC-based nanocomposites with a hydrophobic polymeric matrix applicable at the industrial scale.