Functionalization of Cellulose Nanocrystals From Abaca Fiber for Natural Rubber Reinforcement

Date of Award

5-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Chemistry

First Advisor

Jose Mario A. Diaz, PhD

Abstract

Owing to its high cellulose content, abaca fiber has been recognized as a promising source of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). Many research works have proved that bio-based fillers such as CNC are potential reinforcing fillers for natural rubber. Although bionanofillers have shown many advantages over conventional fillers, the dilemma faced by many researchers is their poor compatibility with the hydrophobic natural rubber due to their hydrophilic nature. In this study, the abaca fiber has shown a cellulose yield of 62% and 16% CNC yield. The CNC, with a % crystallinity of 65%, was modified by esterification using oleic acid to improve its hydrophobicity and was proven successful as supported by its IR spectra. The natural rubber (NR) nanocomposites were prepared using the casting method. The results have shown that the addition of modified cellulose nanocrystals has increased the mechanical properties, such as elastic modulus, tensile strength, ultimate strength, and elongation at break, but has no significant effect on the thermal degradation behavior of NR.

Keywords: cellulose nanocrystals, natural rubber, oleic acid, reinforcement

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