Investigating the Reactive Reinforcement Ability of Maleic Anhydride-Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals via In-Situ Emulsion Polymerization

CNC-based nanocomposites have gained substantial interest because of their enhanced thermomechanical properties for high-end engineering applications. The chemical modification of CNCs expands their applicability, making them suitable for use in hydrophobic polymer matrices. The current study investigates the reactive reinforcing ability of maleic anhydride-modified cellulose nanocrystals during the in situ polymerization of a vinyl monomer, i.e., styrene. Highly crystalline nanocellulose (CNCBG) was isolated from Lagenaria siceraria (Bottle gourd) peels via Hydrochloric acid, which was further modified to synthesize maleic anhydride-modified cellulose nanocrystals (MACNCBG) and characterized employing various techniques. MACNCBG exhibited higher suspension stability than CNCBG due to the introduction of carboxyl groups. Furthermore, polystyrene-based nanocomposites of 3 and 5 wt % filler loading were prepared, respectively. While PSMACNCBG (5 wt %) displayed a premature failure, PSMACNCBG (3 wt %) demonstrated enhanced mechanical properties compared to PSCNCBG (3 wt %) and PS. At the same filler loading, MACNCBG demonstrated a more remarkable reinforcing ability than CNCBG, owing to its reactive tendency. The appearance of a new peak between 3000-2800 cm(-1) corresponds to the C-H stretching of the formed C-C bond (between C=C of MACNCBG and benzal carbon of PS) in the FTIR spectra, confirming the reactive nature of MACNCBG.