A new approach for the use of anionic surfactants: nanocellulose modification and development of biodegradable nanocomposites

The stabilization of nanocellulose suspensions and their compatibility with polymer matrices are challenges that have been investigated in the scientific community. However, little work has resulted in significant electrostatic stabilization as well as improved the mechanical behavior of nanocomposites. Anionic surfactant modified nanocellulose, and the results demonstrated the impact of the concentration of this surfactant on nanocellulose surfaces and properties. The variation in electrostatic stability was evaluated by the zeta potential, which is key to the comprehension of dispersion and agglomeration in suspensions. Also, physicochemical tests were conducted to analyze the properties of nanocelluloses. The addition of the surfactant and its effects were verified by physicochemical characterization; it was evaluated the crystallinity, thermal stability, composition, adsorption effect, and other properties. Mechanical, thermal and physicochemical tests were conducted to understand the influence of nanoparticles on nanocomposites. The results of this study demonstrated that the surfactant-modified cellulose nanostructures presented excellent electrostatic and thermal stability, which made the developed materials potential reinforcing agents for the incorporation of polymeric matrices. These modified CNSs were incorporated in a poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), and improvements of its mechanical properties were observed. Also, the thermal stability of the polymer was maintained, and the water diffusion coefficient was reduced, favoring applications that need this characteristic, like plastic packaging.