Effect of cellulose whisker content on the properties of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)/cellulose composites

The reinforcing effect of cellulose whiskers, produced from banana waste fibres, has been investigated using poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) [EVA]/cellulose whisker composites. Cellulose whiskers, approximately 300 nm long and 30 nm wide, were obtained via a sulphuric acid hydrolysis method. The effects of the cellulose whisker loading on the thermal properties, mechanical properties and on the morphological features of the composites have been investigated. EVA copolymer with a vinyl acetate segment content of 40% has been used for composite fabrication. The developed composites showed superior thermal and mechanical properties relative to that of the EVA copolymer alone. Three theoretical models, namely the Halpin–Tsai model, the Kerner model and the Nicolais–Narkis model have been employed to provide a basis for the comparison of the results with the observations from the tensile investigations.

► Banana plant fibre waste as the source of cellulose whiskers.
► Preparation and characterization of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) [EVA]/cellulose whisker composites.
► Development of EVA/cellulose whisker composites – without using any compatibilizer.
► Superior thermal and mechanical properties.
► Comparison of the results of mechanical testing with theoretical modelling.