Microcrystalline Cellulose Management in the Production of Poly(ether-urethane)s- Structure, Morphology, and Thermal Characteristic

In response to the demand of polymer industry for reducing the use of synthetic chemicals, eco-friendly materials are investigated. In the presented study, bio-based poly(ether-urethane)s were prepared by using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and polyether polyol and 1,3-propanediol derived from corn sugar. A step towards sustainability was taken by incorporating bio-based compounds and cellulose, consequently, bio-waste are utilized in a smart way. The new materials were synthesized via prepolymer method, while the cellulose fibers were added after the reaction. Structural studies of biocomposites were realized by FTIR technique. The number of free and hydrogen-bonded carbonyl groups was determined based on the deconvolution of C=O band. Crystallinity was assessed on the basis of X-ray diffraction analysis. The influence of the MCC content on the thermo-mechanical, thermal and selected mechanical properties has been demonstrated. Results obtained by SEM method showed that the higher degree of reinforcement led to the formation of aggregates reflecting their poor dispersion in the polymer matrix. It may probably result from the relatively weaker interaction between MCC and PU matrix. On the other hand, it was found that the incorporation of fibers improved the thermo-mechanical and thermal properties of the prepared materials. This work provides an effective way of using bio-renewable chemicals in the polyurethane industry without using additional processing apparatus and chemical processes. The used method makes it possible to obtain materials with high bio-content and satisfactory thermal characteristic.