Dynamic Mechanical Characterization of Cellulose Nanofibril CNF‐ and Cellulose Nanocrystal CNC‐Based Nanocomposites

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are materials widely studied to be used as a reinforcement in nanocomposites. Among the multiple reasons for such selection, we can mention high availability, renewability, biodegradability, and most importantly high strength. Incorporation of nanocellulose into polymeric matrices is not a trivial task due to its poor compatibility with hydrophobic materials. Therefore, it is very important to have trustable methods to evaluate the effect of the reinforcement in the final properties of the nanocomposite. Improvement of the mechanical properties is a common target when nanocellulose is incorporated into nanocomposites. In this chapter, we present the most common techniques used to evaluate mechanical properties of nanocomposites, making special emphasis in the nanocomposites containing nanocellulose. First, the selected techniques for characterization are introduced and explained, followed by examples where each of the techniques is used to evaluate the mechanical properties of nanocomposites containing CNF and CNC.