Char-forming behavior of nanofibrillated cellulose treated with glycidyl phenyl POSS

Cellulose-reinforced composites have received much attention due to their structural reinforcing, light weight, biodegradable, non-toxic, low cost and recyclable characteristics. However, the tendency for cellulose to aggregate and its poor dispersion in many polymers, such as polystyrene, continues to be one of the most challenging roadblocks to large scale production and use of cellulose-polymer composites. In this study, nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) is modified using GlycidylPhenyl-POSS (a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane). The product yield, morphology, and crystallinity are characterized using a variety of spectroscopy and microscopy techniques. Thermal analyses are performed using thermal gravimetric analysis and pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry.

► Prepared a POSS-cellulose hybrid using monofunctional-POSS reactant ► Examine the thermal effects using TGA and pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry. ► POSS has the unique capability of retaining the nanofibrillated morphology during pyrolysis. ► Bonding, surface coverage, and side reactions examined using SS-NMR, SEM and XPS. ► The resulting structure protects the cellulose surface with a ceramic like char.