Vinyl acetate-modifed microcrystalline cellulose-reinforced HDPE composites prepared by twin-screw extrusion

Abstract

In order to compare the efects of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as a fller, MCC and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)composites were produced with 4 diferent wt.% MCC loadings (1 wt.%, 5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, and 20 wt.%). To improve the compatibilitybetween MCC and the matrix, MCC was acetylated with vinyl acetate (VA), and 2 diferent MCC-HDPE composites were producedwith 5 wt.% and 10 wt.% VA-modifed MCC loadings. Untreated MCC and VA-modifed MCC-reinforced HDPE pellets were producedby using a twin-screw extruder. Te MCC-HDPE composites were then compression-molded and the mechanical properties of thecomposites were determined. Te thermal and morphological properties of the MCC-HDPE composites were characterized by usingthermogravimetric and electron microscopy techniques, respectively. Te VA-modifed MCC-flled HDPE had a signifcantly highertensile strength than the unmodifed MCC-flled or the neat HDPE composites. Te thermal stability of MCC was also improved withVA modifcation.