Cellulose modified by citric acid reinforced polypropylene resin as fillers

The greatest challenge hindering the use of cellulose as a reinforcing filler in polymeric composites is its poor compatibility due to the inherent hydrophilicity of cellulose and the hydrophobic nature of polymeric matrices. To solve this issue, we demonstrate an effective water-based method to render the cellulose surface with high carboxyl content through the esterification of hydroxyl groups with citric acid in a solid phase reaction without the use of noxious solvents. The modified cellulose was then further hydrophobized by grafting magnesium stearate to the surface. Consequently, the flexural properties of PP composites reinforced by the hydrophobized cellulose fillers were greatly improved compared to those of composites containing hydrophilic cellulose and pure PP resin. The surface modification conditions and filler proportions in composites were optimized. Because of the innocuity and cost-efficiency of citric acid, we believe that citric acid-modified cellulose has immense potential as a sustainable and cost-effective reinforcing filler.