Mechanical, thermal, and moisture absorption properties of nano-clay reinforced nano-cellulose biocomposites

In this research, fully environment-friendly, sustainable and biodegradable 'green' composites were fabricated. A novel material comprised of microfibrillated cellulose and laponite clay with different inorganic/organic ratios (m/m) was prepared. The composites were characterized by tensile, bending and water absorption tests as well as dynamic mechanical analysis. The morphologies of these nanocomposites were evaluated through scanning electron microscopy. Results showed considerable improvement of mechanical properties; specifically in elastic modulus, tensile strength and flexural modulus with the addition of nanoclay up to 7.5 wt% nano-clay. The modulus of elasticity increased significantly by about 26 % at 5 wt% nanocaly. The flexural modulus increased by about 90 % at 7.5 wt% nanoclay. However, with an increased load of clay in the nanocomposite, the mechanical properties decreased due to the agglomeration of excessive nanoclay. The storage modulus was significantly increased at high temperature with increasing the load of nanoclay.