Grafting of poly(stearyl acrylate) on cellulose fibers as 3D-printable HDPE composites

Abstract This paper aimed to produce a bio-based filament, suitable for 3D printing (fused deposition modeling), made of surface modified cellulose fiber and high density polyethylene. The fibers (CF) were first transformed into CF-based macroinitiator through an esterification reaction with the 2-bromoisobutyric acid. We finally studied ability this initiate single electron transfer-living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) hydrophobic monomer: stearyl acrylate. grafting poly(stearly acrylate) onto did strongly increased adhesion, compatibility host matrix (HDPE). Finally, resulting extruded polyethylene (HDPE) counter-rotating twin-screw extruder, yielding filament FDM 3d printing. successful modification, such as correct incorporation thermoplastic matrix, characterized ATR-FTIR, 13 C CP-MAS NMR, FE-SEM, mechanical testing. Throughout those characterization techniques, it was concluded that modification significantly improved HDPE. properties composite tested compared pure HDPE simple objects. It printability poly(stearyl acrylate)-grafted overcomes problem (shrinkage, warpage, print fidelity) encountered Graphical abstract