Fabrication of regenerated cellulose nanoparticles/waterborne polyurethane nanocomposites

Regenerated cellulose nanoparticles (RCNs) are ideal materials for new biomass polymer composites industries. RCNs and composites of RCNs and water-borne polyurethane (RCN/WPU) were prepared using a facile and environmentally friendly approach without the use of any harmful chemicals. The morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of the RCN/WPU nanocomposite were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), rheometer, wide-angle X-ray diffraction, and enzymatic hydrolysis. RCNs exhibited low crystallinity upon regeneration with an NaOH-based aqueous solution, and were identified by SEM and TEM to consist of the more thermodynamically stable cellulose form. TGA showed that the thermal stability of RCN/WPU nanocomposites was increased by the addition of RCNs. Finally, enzymatic hydrolysis using cellulase indicated that the biodegradability of RCN/WPU nanocomposites was also improved. (c) 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46633.