Step-Wise Optimization Study for Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals as an Additive for Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Composite Membranes

The cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)/Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composite membranes were prepared by the solution casting method. The POM and SEM images indicated that the dispersibility of the composite membranes with chemical modification was better than that with physical modification. Moreover, the glass temperature of the composite membranes with chemical modification reduced remarkably compared to the neat PMMA. The mechanical properties characterization drew the same conclusion as the results of DSC. TGA results showed that the thermal properties of the nanocomposites have been enhanced due to hydrogen bonding interactions between the hydroxyl groups of CNC and the carbonyl groups of PMMA.