Cellulose nanocrystals - thermoset resin systems, applications thereof and articles made therefrom

A method of producing a liquid thermoset resin with improved storage modulus comprising the steps of:

• providing a phenolic compound,
• providing a formaldehyde compound,
• providing cellulose nanocrystals, and
• providing a hydroxide base;
• mixing the phenolic compound and from 0.5 to 2% cellulose nanocrystals by weight of cellulose nanocrystals with water and the hydroxide base at a constant temperature making a phenolic blend;
• methylolating of the phenolic compound by adding the formaldehyde compound to the phenolic blend to start the polymerization through condensation and controlling the temperature producing a reaction mixture;
• and
• stopping the polymerization by cooling the reaction mixture until the mixture reaches a specific viscosity producing the thermoset resin with improved storage modulus by at least 25% at temperatures of about 30° C. to 210° C.