Gradient of nanomechanical properties in the interphase of cellulose nanocrystal composites

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-18-2012

Department

Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics

Abstract

The nanoscale transitional zone between a nanofiber and surrounding matrix (interphase) defines the ultimate mechanical characteristics in nanocomposite systems. In spite of this importance, one can hardly find quantitative data on the mechanical properties of this transitional zone in the cellulose-nanofiber composites. In addition, most of the theoretical models to predict the mechanical properties of interphase are developed with the assumption that this transitional zone is independent of the nanofiber size. In the current study, we show that the mechanical properties of interphase in cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) composites can be quantitatively characterized and the correlation with the size of CNCs can be mapped. The peak force tapping mode in atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to characterize deformation, adhesion, and modulus gradient of the interphase region in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) composites. In comparison to the polymer matrix, the adhesion force of CNC was lower. The average elastic modulus in the interphase varied from 12.8. GPa at the interface of CNC to 9.9. GPa in PVA-PAA matrix. It was observed that the existence of PAA increased the gradient of mechanical and adhesion properties of the interphase zone. This occurs due to the variation in the ester linkage density from the CNC interface to the polymer matrix. Finally, it is shown that interphase thickness is higher for CNCs with larger diameter.

Publication Title

Composites Science and Technology

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