Synthesis of Poly(n-butyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate)/CNC Latex Nanocomposites via In Situ Emulsion Polymerization

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are renewable, nontoxic and naturally available organic nanoparticles derived from cellulosic resources such as cotton and wood pulp. Poly(n-butyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate)/CNC latexes are successfully synthesized via in situ emulsion polymerization. The effect of CNC loading on overall conversion, polymer particle size, glass transition temperature (T-g), gel content, latex viscosity, and storage and loss moduli of dried latex are studied. While the effect of CNC content on overall conversion, polymer particle size, and T-g of the resulting latexes is negligible, significant increase in gel content, latex viscosity, and storage and loss moduli are observed.