Preparation and characterization of PVA/ CNC/CNT nanocomposite

Abstract

In this study, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and commercial pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was used as hybrid filler reinforced with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was successfully prepared and characterized the properties. The addition of the hybrid filler into the reinforcement of the nanocomposites intended to improve their performances and mechanical properties. There were three different weight percent of hybrid filler were used which are 1.6 w.t%, 1.1 w.t% and 2.6 w.t% of CNC/CNT. In addition, the hybrid filler was enhanced with 5 w.t% of PVA. The PVA/CNC/CNT nanocomposite films was characterized by stability of the hybrid nanofiller, Attenuated Total Reflection- Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The morphology and size of the cellulose nanocrystals were characterized by using SEM. The most significant concentration of hybrid nanofiller added into the PVA polymer matrix was 2.6 wt. % of CNT / CNC / PVA which the particles embedded on thin films. These improvements in the composite by the addition of nano-sized particles create higher surface area.