Processing of Cellulose Nanofiber-reinforced Composites

Cellulose nanofibers are obtained from various sources such as flax bast fibers, hemp fibers, kraft pulp, and rutabaga, by chemical treatments followed by innovative mechanical techniques. The nanofibers thus obtained have diameters between 5 and 60 nm. The ultrastructure of cellulose nanofibers is investigated by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The cellulose nanofibers are also characterized in terms of crystallinity. Reinforced composite films comprising 90% polyvinyl alcohol and 10% nanofibers are also prepared. The comparison of the mechanical properties of these composites with those of pure PVA confirmed the superiority of the former.