Efficacy of alkyl ketene dimer modified microcrystalline cellulose in polypropylene matrix

Abstract

In this study, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), which is a completely bio-derived material, was modified. An alkyl ketene dimer was used for the modification. The improved performance is beneficial for polymer matrices and advantageous with regard to the color and oxygen permeability; thus, the produced composites can be widely used in industries. The objective of this study was to improve the performances of the polypropylene matrix. Composites were successfully prepared by adding modified MCC and MCC via an extrusion process. Subsequently, the properties of the composites were analyzed according to their compositions. To confirm the difference by modification, structural analyses and thermal-property measurements were conducted. The thermal and mechanical properties of the prepared composites were measured to investigate the effects of the MCC modification and the amount, and to determine the crystallinity. Additionally, oxygen-permeability and color-difference measurements were conducted to confirm that the composites would be suitable for industrial applications.