Eco-friendly Modification for the Cellulose Nanofibers Derived from Pineapple Leaves for High-performance Nanocomposite

Abstract

This study extracted cellulose nanofibers (NFC) from pineapple leaves, and then employed eco-friendly aqueous system to modify NFC with a layer of polystyrene (PS). The successful modification was confirmed by FTIR analysis, after acid-base treatment can effectively reduce the lignin content and better water transport, and the PS layer could lower NFC's surface polarity for improving the interfacial compatibility in PS matrix. By introducing NFC into PS matrix, the PS-modified NFC showed better interfacial adhesion and uniform dispersion, and resulted nanocomposite with higher tensile strength, char yield and transparency. Therefore, the eco-friendly modification could help NFC reinforce nanocomposite for enhancing mechanical property, thermal resistance and transparent appearance.