Surface-Vinylated Cellulose Nanocrystals as Cross-Linkers for Hydrogel Composites.

ABSTRACT: Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) fillers have been shown to significantly improve the performance of polymer composites and hydrogels, elevating both strength and toughness. Polymer grafting from the surface of the nanocrystals has been employed to enhance matrix-filler interactions and keep the fillers dispersed within the matrix. However, such approaches often rely on multistep syntheses and diligent process control. Here, we propose modifying the nanocrystal surface to carry vinyl moieties, turning the particles into cross-linking comonomers. Using allyl glycidyl ether in an aqueous modification route, we were able to decorate the CNCs with varying amounts of vinyl moieties. Subsequent dispersion in 2-hydroxy methacrylate and thermally initiated free radical polymerization yielded composite

SUBMITTER: Kroger M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12004536 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature