ABSTRACT
Cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs), an acid-hydrolyzed form of native cellulose, have attracted much attention due to their inherent mechanical properties, high surface area-volume ratio, plentiful active hydroxyl groups, and especially their potential for application as a reinforcing agent in nanocomposites [1-4]. The hydrophilic character of CNWs means they can easily be used as nano-llers to reinforce hydrophilic polymers; however, the dispersion of CNWs in organic solvents and hydrophobic polymer matrices is greatly restricted. In addition, surface sulfate groups on CNWs prepared by sulfuric acid hydrolysis usually result in a mismatch between the thermal stability of CNWs and the thermoprocessing temperature. On the other hand, the reactive hydroxyl groups on CNWs are able to participate in the formation of covalent bonds and/or physical interactions with many polymer matrices.
