Invited Speaker

Abstract: Polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) is a biodegradable polymer which properties could be improved with the incorporation of renewable and biodegradable reinforcements as cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). Nonetheless, CNC high polarity difficults its dispersion and compatibility with less polar polymers. Superficial chemical modifications in CNC aim to circumvent this problem. This presentation intend to present results regarding CNC grafted with an aliphatic and an aromatic isocyanate and incorporated in PBAT matrix through solvent casting and melt extrusion. The treated-CNC reinforced composites displayed improved mechanical properties, with an increase up to 120% and 40% in elastic modulus and tensile strength, respectively. Rheological analysis confirmed the achievement of a percolated network in the composite with 10wt% of the treated-CNC. The best results were obtained with CNC grafted with the aromatic isocyanate, probably due to the π-π interactions between the phenyl rings grafted onto the CNC molecules and the aromatic rings of the polymeric chain, as indicated by Raman spectroscopy.

Biography: Dr. Carolina Lipparelli Morelli is currently Professor in the Mechanical and Materials Department of the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), in Brazil. She has doctor degree in Materials Science for Grenoble Institute of Technology (PAGORA, LGP2-France) and for the Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar-Brazil), studying nanobiocomposites of biodegradable polymers reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals. Her master degree was in the area of hybrid composites of commodity polymers reinforced with glass fibers and talc. Prior being a professor, Dr. Carolina worked in the industrial area as process engineer and research and development engineer in industries of polyester fibers and injection molded parts. She also worked in development projects with riverside and indigenous communities in the Amazon region. Her research areas include the characterization and processing of polymeric and composite materials, including nanocomposites, as well as active polymeric materials with antimicrobial principles aiming biomedical and packaging applications.