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New Frontiers of Nanoparticles and Nanocomposite Materials pp 233–263Cite as

Mechanics of Cellulose Nanocrystals and their Polymer Composites

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Part of the book series: Advanced Structured Materials ((STRUCTMAT,volume 4))

Abstract

The fabrication of cellulose nanocomposites with ultimate mechanical properties has received tremendous attention during the past decade. However, the published data has not been reviewed and systematically compared from mechanical point of view. The current study aims to fill this gap by providing a critical review on the published data on the mechanics of cellulose nanocrystals and their composites. The studies on individual cellulose nanocrystals show that their strength depends on the number and type of inter and intra hydrogen bonds on the cellulose chains, which are affected by the cellulose type and origin. It has been shown that the tensile modulus, yield strength and creep resistance are higher in cellulose nanocomposites than in unfilled polymers. However, above optimum cellulose content, the agglomeration of nanocrystals degrades the mechanical properties. Furthermore, cellulose nanocrystals enhance the structural stiffness of polymer composites at elevated temperatures. Formation of rigid nanocrystal network causes increase in the storage modulus (E′) and glass transition temperature.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Michigan Technological University for providing the financial support to conduct this review.

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  1. Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI, 49931, USA

    Anahita Pakzad & Reza S. Yassar

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  1. Anahita Pakzad
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  2. Reza S. Yassar
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Correspondence to Reza S. Yassar .

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  1. , Faculty Biosciences and, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Block A, Building V01, Johor Bahru, 81310, Malaysia

    Andreas Öchsner

  2. of Technology, Fac. Mechanical Engineering, Khajeh Nasir Toosi University, Tehran, Iran

    Ali Shokuhfar

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Pakzad, A., Yassar, R.S. (2010). Mechanics of Cellulose Nanocrystals and their Polymer Composites. In: Öchsner, A., Shokuhfar, A. (eds) New Frontiers of Nanoparticles and Nanocomposite Materials. Advanced Structured Materials, vol 4. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/8611_2010_38

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