Investigation on possibility of making a Nano composite consist of Pebax and Nano cellulose

Abstract

A new kind of thermoplastic elastomer nano composite reinforced with nano cellulose fibers is reported. The first aim of this investigation was to study the interaction and dispersion of nano cellulose fiber into Pebax matrix. This copolymer is Polyether – b – Amide thermoplastic elastomer which is synthetized from renewable resources, and its hydrophilic character allows it to interact with nano cellulose. The interaction and reinforcement effect of nano cellulose at 3 levels of nano cellulose (1%, 3% and 5%) were examined by Scanning electron microscopes (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Mechanical tests (young module, elongation at break and impact resistance). The results achieved from these tests were indicating appropriate effects of nano cellulose fibers for the strong interaction and close contact with polyamide phase of Pebax polymer which caused high mechanical properties (at 3% of nanoellulose) in nano composites. The young module and impact resistance of nano composite were significantly increased.

Keywords

• Thermoplastic elastomer
• Nanocellulose fiber
• nanocomposite
• SEM
• FTIR