Surface Modification of Cellulose Nanomaterial for Use in Hydrophobic Matrix Materials

Cellulose nanofibrils represent a natural, sustainable source of nanofibers that can be used matrix materials as reinforcing additives. Unfortunately, hydrophilic surface properties of the cellulose nanofibrils make it difficult for them to be incorporated into hydrophobic polymer matrices of common manufacturing plastics to form fiber reinforced composites. TDA is developing technology that can be used to modify the surfaces of cellulose nanofibrils so that they become compatible with hydrophobic polymers. Cellulose nanofibril materials that can be routinely and efficiently incorporated into manufacturing polymers could result in a new family of natural fiber-based composites for manufacturing applications that use a renewable, sustainable source of raw materials. In Phase I, TDA will develop chemistry to modify cellulose nanofibril to allow them to be readily incorporated into plastics. Production of modified cellulose nanofibril reinforced composites will then be prepared using common industrial processing techniques to demonstrate the manufacture of composite materials that can be used in automobiles. The composites will be characterized and compared to current composite materials used for the manufacture of cars. Finally, TDA will perform a technoeconomic analysis of the use of its composites in the automotive industry. TDA will prepare cellulose fiber composites that can be used in applications that currently use glass or carbon fiber composites, such as automotive components or clean energy components. TDAs composites will use a green, sustainable fiber source, use less energy to produce, be recyclable, and will price competitive with current fiber reinforced composites.