ABSTRACT
Epoxy resins are thermosetting polymers with high chemical and mechanical resistance and excellent adhesion capacity. However, due to the fragility of crosslinked epoxy resins, alternative materials are sought to improve the toughness of the epoxy composites. The use of cellulose as a reinforcing agent in composites becomes advantageous due to its wide availability, renewable characteristics, biodegradability, and low cost. With the advancement of nanotechnology, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) have been investigated to reinforce epoxy composites and improve the interfacial interaction of constituents, resulting in improved thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties over conventional composites. Thus, this chapter highlights the potential of nanocellulose for application as a sustainable and renewable reinforcing agent for the development of epoxy composites. Besides, the chapter mainly addresses the effects of the addition of CNCs and CNFs on the physical and thermal properties of epoxy composites.
