title: Modification of cellulose nanocrystal via SI-ATRP of styrene and the mechanism of its reinforcement of polymethylmethacrylate.
abstract: Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) is a promising strengthener but is used limitedly since its poor compatibility with organic materials. The graft polymerization of styrene via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) of cellulose nanocrystal is adopted to modify its thermo-stability and compatibility. The modified crystals have been dosed into polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites by the solution casting. The polymeric layer on the surface of CNCs should improve the thermal stability of CNCs, and provide significant dispersibility and compatibilization for the nanocomposites. Thermogravimetry analysis proved that the initial degrade temperature of CNC was increased 50 °C with the modification. The scanning electronic microscope showed that the modified CNCs homogeneously dispersed in PMMA matrix. Breaking strength and elongation at break of the composites were improved, which was attributed to the reinforcement of CNCs modified with styrene. Transmittance of nanocomposite films measurement showed that the transmittance of PMMA/1%CNC was almost close to that of pure PMMA.
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Eco-textiles of Ministry of Education, College of Textiles and Clothing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yin
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Eco-textiles of Ministry of Education, College of Textiles and Clothing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China.
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Tian
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Eco-textiles of Ministry of Education, College of Textiles and Clothing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China. Electronic address: jiangx@jiangnan.edu.cn.
authors.forename: X
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Eco-textiles of Ministry of Education, College of Textiles and Clothing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Eco-textiles of Ministry of Education, College of Textiles and Clothing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, Jiangsu, China.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Gao
mesh_terms: D002482:Cellulose / Q000737:chemistry*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D058105:Polymerization; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000737:chemistry*; D020058:Styrene / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature; D013818:Thermogravimetry
chemical_list: D020058:Styrene; D002482:Cellulose; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate
keywords: Cellulose nanocrystals; Polymethylmethacrylate; Polystyrene; Surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization