POSS modified cellulose for improving flammability characteristics of polystyrene

Published

April 2, 2010

Author(s)

Douglas M. Fox, Mauro Zammarano, Jeffrey W. Gilman, Jieun Lee, Eric Balsley, Erica Ford

Abstract

Due to its strength, charring ability, and biodegradability, cellulose-based reinforced polymers have received considerable attention. However, its high polarity, large molecular size, and solvent resistivity, have often resulted in immiscible or agglomerated composites. To improve the separation and dispersion of cellulose in hydrophobic commodity plastics, we have begun the study of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-modified cellulose. The initial phase of this project focuses on the optimization of the POSS-cellulose nanoparticle for incorporation into polystyrene. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is used to validate the inclusion of POSS in the cellulose fiber matrix, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) is used to assess the thermal stability and char yield of the materials, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is used to examine changes in cellulose glass transitions. Initial results suggest the POSS molecules are physically trapped within the cellulose network rather than covalently bonded at the hydroxyl sites. Polystyrene cellulose composites were prepared, but solution blending resulted in poorly dispersed fibers

Proceedings Title

Proceedings from the 10th International Conference on Wood & Biofiber Plastic Composites

Conference Dates

May 11-13, 2009

Conference Location

Madison, WI

Pub Type

Conferences

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Citation

Fox, D. , Zammarano, M. , Gilman, J. , Lee, J. , Balsley, E. and Ford, E. (2010), POSS modified cellulose for improving flammability characteristics of polystyrene, Proceedings from the 10th International Conference on Wood & Biofiber Plastic Composites, Madison, WI, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=902724 (Accessed December 2, 2024)