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Article

Characterization of Polyester Nanocomposites Reinforced with Conifer Fiber Cellulose Nanocrystals

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Forest and Wood Sciences Department, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Jeronimo Monteiro 29550-000, Brazil
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Forestry Engineering Department, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, Brazil
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Military Institute of Engineering—IME, Materials Science Program, Praça General Tibúrcio 80, Urca, Rio de Janeiro 22290-270, Brazil
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Advanced Materials Department, Northern Fluminense State University, Av Alberto Lamego, 2000, Campos dos Goytacazes 28013-602, Brazil
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Polymers 2020, 12(12), 2838; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12122838
Received: 22 October 2020 / Revised: 13 November 2020 / Accepted: 23 November 2020 / Published: 28 November 2020
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characteristics and Applications of Natural Fiber Composites)
The application of cellulose nanocrystal has lately been investigated as polymer composites reinforcement owing to favorable characteristics of biodegradability and cost effectiveness as well as superior mechanical properties. In the present work novel nanocomposites of unsaturated polyester matrix reinforced with low amount of 1, 2, and 3 wt% of cellulose nanocrystals obtained from conifer fiber (CNC) were characterized. The polyester matrix and nanocomposites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), bending test, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The result showed that the addition of only 2 wt% CNC increased the nanocomposite flexural strength by 159%, the ductility by 500% and the toughness by 1420%. Fracture analyses by SEM revealed a uniform participation of the CNC in the polyester microstructure. The resistance to thermal degradation of the CNC reinforced nanocomposites was improved in more than 20 °C as compared to neat polyester. No significant changes were detected in the water absorptions and XRD pattern of the neat polyester with incorporations up to 3 wt% CNC. These results reveal that the 2 wt% CNC nanocomposite might be a promising more ductile, lightweight and cost-effective substitute for conventional glass fiber composites in engineering applications. View Full-Text
Keywords: nanocomposite; mechanical behavior; thermal analysis; polyester; cellulose nanocrystal nanocomposite; mechanical behavior; thermal analysis; polyester; cellulose nanocrystal
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MDPI and ACS Style

Maradini, G.d.S.; Oliveira, M.P.; Guanaes, G.M.d.S.; Passamani, G.Z.; Carreira, L.G.; Boschetti, W.T.N.; Monteiro, S.N.; Pereira, A.C.; de Oliveira, B.F. Characterization of Polyester Nanocomposites Reinforced with Conifer Fiber Cellulose Nanocrystals. Polymers 2020, 12, 2838. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12122838

AMA Style

Maradini GdS, Oliveira MP, Guanaes GMdS, Passamani GZ, Carreira LG, Boschetti WTN, Monteiro SN, Pereira AC, de Oliveira BF. Characterization of Polyester Nanocomposites Reinforced with Conifer Fiber Cellulose Nanocrystals. Polymers. 2020; 12(12):2838. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12122838

Chicago/Turabian Style

Maradini, Grazielle d.S., Michel P. Oliveira, Gabriel M.d.S. Guanaes, Gabriel Z. Passamani, Lilian G. Carreira, Walter T.N. Boschetti, Sergio N. Monteiro, Artur C. Pereira, and Bárbara F. de Oliveira. 2020. "Characterization of Polyester Nanocomposites Reinforced with Conifer Fiber Cellulose Nanocrystals" Polymers 12, no. 12: 2838. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12122838

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