| Abstract: | New nanocomposites based on a waterborne epoxy emulsion and a suspension of cellulose crystallites were prepared by film casting in order to obtain coatings displaying both flexibility and stiffness. Tunicin cellulose whiskers are attractive reinforcing fillers due to their high aspect ratio, large interface area, and, significant mechanical properties). Typical processing problems for this type of composite are related to high viscosity values of filled polymers in the in the molten state, the incompatibility between hydrophobic matrices and hydrophilic cellulose and the formation of hydrogen bonds between cellulose of this type of natural fibres in an epoxy matrix. The aim of this work is to solve some of the problems above mentioned by selecting the nature of the components used for coating synthesis film processing. The dynamic mechanical properties display an important improvement of the composite modulus in the rubbery state of the matrix at low concentrations of fillers, which can not be expected other cellulose based fibers. |
