Effects of surface modification of cellulose nanocrystals on properties of soybean oil bio-nanocomposite

In a new study, UV cured bio-nanocomposite coating systems were developed. An acrylated epoxidised soybean oil (AESO) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were used to make these coating systems.

The CNC surface was modified by two different methods so as to achieve good compatibility between the CNC and AESO. Thermal stability, glass transition temperature, optical clarity (transparency), and curing behavior of the coating systems were assessed.

Addition of CNC altered the thermal stability slightly

The addition of CNC altered the thermal stability of the bio-nanocomposites slightly. Addition of CNC increased glass transition temperature of AESO. This increase was a function of the CNC surface modification method and CNC loading level.

The transparency of the bio-nanocomposites was reduced by the addition of CNC. The curing behavior of these coating systems was not significantly different from that of a pure cured AESO matrix. A study of the morphology of the nanocomposite films by AFM demonstrated that the modified CNC had good compatibility with the AESO matrix.

The study has been published in Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Volume 17.

Image source: Pixabay.