Innovative ionic liquids as functional agent for wood-polymer composites

Abstract Chemical modification of lignocellulosic fillers is a hydrophobization process that has been used for years in the production wood-polymer composites (WPCs). However, finding new, more effective modifiers still big challenge and remains subject much research. This study involved chemical wood with use newly designed ammonium imidazolium ionic liquids containing reactive functional groups. The effectiveness was confirmed using FTIR XRD techniques. effect on supermolecular structure morphology investigated by X-ray diffraction, hot stage optical microscopy differential scanning calorimetry. A significant influence modifier shaping polymorphic varieties polymer matrix demonstrated. also had nucleating properties fillers, which determined crystallization parameters (crystallization half-time, temperature, crystal conversion). Moreover, formation transcrystalline PP layer noticed, showed large variation depending liquid. obtained results correlated very well mechanical tests. It shown it possible to precisely design an liquid group capable interacting hydroxyl groups cellulose molecules. possibility functionalizing material innovative without need organic solvents not demonstrated so far. Graphic abstract