Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) is a promising strengthener but is used limitedly since its poor compatibility
with organic materials. The graft polymerization of styrene via surface-initiated atom transfer radical
polymerization (SI-ATRP) of cellulose nanocrystal is adopted to modify its thermo-stability and compatibility.
The modified crystals have been dosed into polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites by
the solution casting. The polymeric layer on the surface of CNCs should improve the thermal stability
of CNCs, and provide significant dispersibility and compatibilization for the nanocomposites. Thermogravimetry
analysis proved that the initial degrade temperature of CNC was increased 50 ◦C with the
modification. The scanning electronic microscope showed that the modified CNCs homogeneously dispersed
in PMMA matrix. Breaking strength and elongation at break of the composites were improved,
which was attributed to the reinforcement of CNCs modified with styrene. Transmittance of nanocomposite
films measurement showed that the transmittance of PMMA/1%CNC was almost close to that of
pure PMMA.
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