Synthetically modified thermoplastic polymer composites having cellulose nanomaterials

A polymer coated cellulose nanocrystal, the polymer coated cellulose nanocrystal includes:

• a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) having a negative charge on a surface of the CNC, and wherein the CNC is crystalline and has a density of 1.6 g/cm3;
• and
• an amine-functionalized maleated-anhydride polypropylene disposed on the surface of the cellulose nanocrystal, wherein the amine includes NH2 groups, the maleated-anhydride include maleic-acid (MAH), and the amine and maleated-anhydride polypropylene are combined at a weight percent ratio of MAH:NH2 of between 2:1 to 1:3.

A polymer coated cellulose nanocrystal, the polymer coated cellulose nanocrystal includes:

• a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) has a negative surface charge of −45±1.8 mV, and wherein the CNC is crystalline;
• and
• an amine-functionalized maleated-anhydride polypropylene disposed on the surface of the cellulose nanocrystal, wherein the amine includes NH2 groups, the maleated-anhydride include maleic-acid (MAH), and the amine and maleated-anhydride polypropylene are combined at a weight percent ratio of MAH:NH2 of between 2:1 to 1:3.