Polypropylene-microcrystalline cellulose composites with enhanced compatibility and properties

Polypropylene (PP)-microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) composites were prepared containing Poly(propylene-graft-maleic anhydride) (PP-g-MA) and MCC treated with silicone oil. stearic acid or alkyltitanate coupling agent to promote matrix-filler dispersion and compatability. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed surface treatment. MCC content and PP-g-MA increased PP thermal stability and crystallisation temperature (T-c), though reduced crystallinity due to cellulose II crystals. Tensile stress-strain analysis revealed increased modulus with MCC content, PP-g-MA, alkyltitanate and stearic acid. MCC and PP-g-MA reduced creep deformation and increased permanent strain. Storage modulus, loss modulus and glass transition temperature increased with MCC concentration due to effective interaction between PP and MCC. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.