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Effect of shear forces on dispersion-related properties of microcrystalline cellulose-reinforced EVOH composites for advanced applications

  • Georg Graninger
  • , Sandeep Kumar*
  • , Graham Garrett
  • , Brian G. Falzon
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

Recently, inexpensive and readily available bio-renewable microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) has been explored as a filler to mechanically reinforce thermoplastic matrices. Most research focuses on surface modification of MCC to improve dispersion in the polymer matrix. Herein, two screw configurations (low shear (LS) and high shear (HS)) were designed for twin-screw extrusion to investigate the effect of shear, during processing, on the dispersion of MCC particles in an ethylene–vinyl alcohol (EVOH) matrix. The results demonstrate the significance of the high shear screw configuration on the size of MCC particles, and their in-situ fibrillation and distribution within the EVOH matrix. HS mixing of EVOH/MCC resulted in a significant increase in flexural strength and storage modulus compared to EVOH/MCC (LS) composites, similar to property improvement in EVOH/cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) composites at the same loading, thus providing an alternative to energy-intensive CNC in continuous melt processing without an appreciable rise in production costs.

Original languageEnglish
Article number106103
Number of pages10
JournalComposites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing
Volume139
Early online date29 Sept 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Dec 2020

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
    SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy

Keywords

  • A. Cellulose
  • B. Mechanical properties
  • D. Electron microscopy
  • E. Extrusion

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ceramics and Composites
  • Mechanics of Materials

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