EFFECT OF NANOCELLULOSE TYPE AND MATRIX MATERIAL ON PRODUCTION OF NANOCOMPOSITE FILMS

Abstract

The objective of this study has been to investigate the chemical structure, thermal and mechanical properties of nanocomposite films, which were produced by combining cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with different ratios of boric acid (BA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a matrix. Nanocomposites reinforced with BA had B–O–B, and B–O–C ether bonds, while the addition of PVA did not influence the chemical bonds of the films. Furthermore, the addition of BA to CNF and CNC films enhanced the thermal resistance of the films at high temperatures, but the addition of PVA declined the thermal properties of these films. Considering the mechanical properties of nanocomposite films, it was determined that adding PVA to CNF and CNC films had a positive impact, unlike BA. Consequently, it was concluded that each BA and PVA have their advantages and can be preferred for specific industrial applications.