A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Study of the Polymer Matrix-Mediated Stress Transfer in a Cellulose Nanocomposite

We study composites of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in an ionomer matrix poly(ethylene-stat-sodium acrylate) and find that direct cellulose/cellulose interactions the composite are not a requirement for achieving reinforcement. While isotropic only show slightly enhanced stiffness compared to neat ionomer, more substantial increase Young’s modulus by factor up 5 is achieved uniaxial alignment through melt spinning. The orientation CNC melt-spun reduces probability interactions, which suggests cellulose/polymer must be present lead observed Molecular dynamics simulations confirm strong form ionic as well hydrogen bonding. These facilitate efficient stress transfer, leading high reinforcing effect CNC, while play minor role mechanical response composite.