Preparation and characterization of nanofibrillated cellulose/epoxy based nanocomposites from renewable sources

For the purpose of replacing the materials coming from fossil resources, nanocellulose fibres (NCF) and nanocellulose crystals (NCC) have nowadays drawn a considerable attention in the production of functional biomaterials. As a matter of fact, they may provide many potential applications namely as nano-reinforcement to produce transparent nanocomposites with high mechanical performance. To achieve this objective, the knowledge and control of the physico-chemical properties at the nanoscale, are of key rule to build-up bionanocomposites. Within the framework of this thesis we intend to produce nanofibrilated cellulose from agricultural crops residue. The nanofibrillated cellulose will be used as a reinforcing nanofiller to elaborate transparent nanocomposite film with improved mechanical properties and enhanced antimicrobial properties. These nanocomposite films might be used as packaging material for sensitive foodstuff, such as meat, fish and fruits. The present approach will contribute to develop sustainable natural and cost effective based nanofiller using cheap and widely available starting material. Furthermore, due to its structure, cellulose based nanofiller are known to be biodegradable and without any harmful effect neither for the human health nor for the environment. Furthermore, to further promote the biodegradable character of the nanocomposite films, biobased epoxy oligomers based on vegetable oils with high degree of unsaturated groups were synthesized and used as a matrix. The main stages of the thesis involve nano fiber production, synthesis of epoxy oligomer and cross-linker, preparation of bionanocomposites and investigation of their performances.