Discipline: Chemistry & Chemical Sciences
Subcategory: STEM Research
Kennedi Trice - Clark Atlanta University
Co-Author(s): Sade Rhodes, and Eric Mintz, Ph.D, Clark Atlanta University
We have prepared nanocomposites by the incorporation of lignin-coated nanocellulose (L-CNCs) in Polypropylene (PP) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) via high torque melt mixing and the determine the thermal properties of these new nanocomposites. We hypothesized that the incorporated of L-CNCs would serve to reinforce the polymer matrix, thus increasing the thermomechanical properties of the nanocomposite relative to neat polymers, with the lignin serving as an interface between the CNCs and the polyolefin. L-CNCs were incorporated into polypropylene at 0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 5% weight percent loading. DSC, DMA, and TGA were used to characterize the thermomechanical properties of these nanocomposites.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): NSF HRD 1818682
Faculty Advisor: None Listed,