Short Communication
Stefan Cichosz and Anna Masek
Abstract
Following research study highlights the importance of an indispensable process in cellulose fibres (Arbocel UFC100 – Ultra Fine Cellulose) modification, which may easily change the biopolymer properties - drying. Study provides a broad range of information considering the drying process consequences on the chemical treatment of the cellulose and properties of cellulose-filled polymer composites based on an ethylene-norbornene copolymer (TOPAS Elastomer E-140). This research underlines the importance of UFC100 moisture content reduction, considering polymer composites applications, with the employment of techniques different than thermal treating. Therefore, a new hybrid chemical modification approach is introduced (Fig). It consists of two steps: solvent exchange (with ethanol either hexane) and chemical treatment (maleic anhydride - MA). Hybrid chemical modification of cellulose fibres: Path 0 – regular surface modification with MA, Path 1 – solvent exchanges before the surface modification with MA, Path 2 – solvent exchange after the surface modification with MA What should be emphasized, in case of all carried out UFC100 treatments a decrease in moisture content was evidenced. Nevertheless, it may be claimed that ethanol employment highly contributes to the lowering of water absorption ability of cellulose (up to 1.65%). Moreover, regarding composite specimen mechanical properties, the highest performance improvement was noticed in case of TOPAS + UFC100/ND/MA/1/E sample. Here, not dried cellulose has been modified with MA after a solvent exchange with ethanol. What is more, in case of that sample, also an improvement in storage modulus has been detected. Both Payne effect and filler efficiency factor indicate a possibility of a filler reinforcing nature. In performed research new filler hybrid modification approach, being undoubtedly a scientific novelty is introduced. Moreover, valuable data considering composite properties filled with cellulose fibres of various moisture content has been provided (thermal, mechanical, structure).