POWDERMET INC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: 13a

Description

There is, and always has been, a drive to push for advancing materials to higher performing properties. A common method to achieve such results with materials is incorporating reinforcing filler materials. However, regarding microstructural reinforcing with materials science’s highest performing fillers, carbon nanotubes and cellulose nanofibers, there are obstacles to overcome with difficult mixing into polymer composites. Cellulose nanofibers, however, have the desiredable potential to be a market viable reinforcing filler as a renewable and sustainable resource, but it is necessary to overcome its inherent compounding difficulties. The surface modification of cellulose nanofibers with a ridged amphiphilic agent will impart an adaptable surface for guaranteeing favorable surface interactions between the fibers and the polymer composite binder. The focus of this proposal is the research and development of applying these surface modifiers and their respective mixing effectiveness. The overall objective of this proposal is to demonstrate that the surface modification of cellulose nanofibers by Powdermet’s unique amphiphilic surface modifier will impart hydrophobically favorable surfaces for successful incorporation of the fibers into plastic composites. The following are the primary objective and goals. Chemically modify cellulose nanofiber surface in trial and testing quantities. Experimentally quantify the amount of surface modification. Demonstrate successful compounding of the modified cellulose nanofibers. Develop an economic understanding for producing production modified cellulose nanofibers. The surface modification of cellulose nanofibers will enable the effective and efficient use of these highly aggregating filler additives within polymer composites. The readily available resource of cellulose fibers and propose surface modifying agent are points of high interest for breaking these biodegradable filler materials into the structural materials market as well as the food packaging market.