Reactive compatibilization of composites of ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymers with cellulose fibres

Composites based on ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA) functionalised with reactive groups (maleic anhydride, glycidyl methacrylate) and cellulose fibres (Cell) of different type were obtained by melt mixing, in the composition range 0–50 wt% Cell. The phase behaviour, the morphology and matrix–fibre interactions of the composites were analysed by DSC, DMTA, TGA, SEM and FT-IR spectroscopy. FT-IR analysis indicated the chemical interactions between the functional groups (MA, GMA) of EVA and the hydroxyl groups of cellulose. Accordingly, SEM microscopy pointed out an improved adhesion between cellulose and matrix in both EVA–MA/Cell and EVA–GMA/Cell composites, as compared to EVA/Cell composites. Glass transition behaviour and filler effectiveness (CFE) were analysed by DMTA. Tg of EVA and EVA–GMA changed markedly by the incorporation of cellulose. Cellulose was found to be more effective filler for EVA–GMA (CFE = 0.02) than EVA–MA (CFE = 0.22). Thermal resistance and tensile properties were significantly improved for GMA functionalised systems.