Cellulose nanocrystal polymer composite

A reinforced polymer composite, the reinforced polymer composite comprising:

• a polymer matrix, and
• a strengthening agent, the strengthening agent including cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and a stabilizing agent, wherein the stabilizing agent includes Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB) and wherein the ratio of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) to Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB) is about 8 to 1;
• and
• wherein the strengthening agent is homogenously dispersed in the polymer matrix.

A method for preparing a reinforced polymer composite, the method including:

• a first step includes providing an aqueous cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) suspension having a net negative charge;
• a second step includes adding an appropriate amount of a stabilizer or a combination of stabilizers to the aqueous cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) suspension to achieve charge neutrality;
• a third step includes inducing phase separation by processing the stabilized aqueous cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) suspension through at least one cycle of centrifugation, rinse, and redispersion;
• a fourth step includes drying the stabilized cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) mixture;
• a fifth step includes powderizing the dried stabilized cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) mixture;
• and
• a sixth step includes adding the powderized dried stabilized cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) mixture to an uncured polymer prior to the addition of a hardener and cured.

A reinforced polymer composite, the reinforced polymer composite comprising:

• a polymer matrix, and
• a strengthening agent, the strengthening agent including highly crystalline cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and a stabilizing agent, and wherein the crystalline cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) have dimensions of about 3 to 5 nm in width and about 100 to 300 nm in length and a density of about 1.6 g/cm3 and the stabilizing agent includes Boehmite nanoclay (Boe) and Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB);
• and
• wherein the strengthening agent is homogenously dispersed in the polymer matrix and is added to the polymer matrix to achieve a mixture of about 2 weight percent to about 10 weight percent strengthening agent.