Influence of Nanofibrillated Cellulose on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polyester Composites

Abstract

This study reports the effects of nano-fibrillated cellulose fillers on the chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester (PE) composites. In the study, the PE was mixed with Nanofibrillated Cellulose (CNF) in the ratios of 0.5, 1, and 1.5 % using Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEKP) and Cobalt octoate (CoOc) as initiator and catalyst, respectively. For characterization, chemical and thermal analyses were carried out with FT-IR and thermogravimetric analysis. Mechanical properties were investigated with Universal Testing Machine, and morphological properties were investigated with SEM. At the end of the study, some minor altered vibrations were seen in FT-IR while thermal stability decreased. The compressive strength of filler-based composites was lower than that of the neat PE composite whereas tensile strength increased. Homogenous dispersion was also seen in the composites. This study confirms the applicability of various fillers as a reinforcing agent in PE resin used in the pipeline sector.

Keywords

• Polyester
• CNF
• mechanical properties
• thermal properties

References

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