Cellulose nanocrystals in epoxy resins (part 1)

One of the recurring expectations from the application of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is that the strengthening achieved by their addition to composites could allow lightweighting. A recent example of this is presented in a publication by Asadi et al. from Georgia Tech and USFPL. The authors found that 12 to 16 wt% of glass fiber could be replaced with 1 to 2 wt% of nanocellulose without deterioration of mechanical and impact properties. It was determined that the likely cause was improved interfacial adhesion. SEM micrographs showed that the addition of cellulose nanocrystals to the epoxy results in rougher fracture surfaces and more matrix residues on the glass fiber (b – without CNCs, d – with CNCs).

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For more information, please consult the full article: Lightweight alternatives to glass fiber/epoxy sheet molding compound composites: A feasibility study.

Read more about CNCs in epoxy resins:
Cellulose nanocrystals in epoxy resins (part 2)
Cellulose nanocrystals in epoxy resins (part 3)