Adipic Acid Crosslinked Nanocrystalline Cellulose/Chitosan Composite: Tensile Properties and Crystallinity

Abstract

In the present study, empty fruit bunch derived nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was prepared and employed as a reinforcing agent to improve the tensile properties of the chitosan composites. Adipic acid was added as a crosslinker. The incorporation of NCC has greatly improved the tensile properties of composites. The crosslinking reaction has further improved the tensile properties. 3 wt% NCC/chitosan composites displayed the highest tensile strength which is 48.7MPa and 65.3 MPa without and with the addition of crosslinker respectively. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the crystalline peak of chitosan composites was significantly improved by the addition of NCC however the crystallinity peak was decreased by the incorporation of adipic acid.