https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2021.051
Published: Kem. Ind. 70 (9-10) (2021) 535–542
Paper reference number: KUI-51/2021
Paper type: Original scientific paper
Download paper:  PDF

Preparation and Characterization of Poly(methyl methacrylate) Composites with Nanocellulose

K. Mrkalj, F. Faraguna, E. Vidović and A. Jukić

Abstract

The composite materials based on poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(methyl methacrylate-co-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) with nanocellulose in the proportion of 1, 2.5, and 5 wt% were prepared. The homogeneous distribution of nanofillers in the polymer matrix was obtained from the solution by the ex situ method. Exclusion size chromatography showed that the strong shear force applied during homogenization caused the largest polymer molecules to crack and thus slightly reduce the average molecular weight of the polymer matrix. Higher glass transition temperatures of composites compared to pure polymer matrices and their increase with increasing filler content, confirm the homogeneity of distribution and compatibility of nanocellulose with the investigated methacrylate matrices. The addition of nanocellulose increases the hydrophilicity of materials, which facilitates printing and may favor their use as packaging materials.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Keywords

poly(methyl methacrylate), nanocelulose, DSC, SEC, solution mixing