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Modifying Interfacial Chemistry of Cellulose-reinforced Epoxy Resin Composites using Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD)

JAMIE P. WOODING, YI LI, KYRIAKI KALAITZIDOU, MARK D. LOSEGO

Abstract


Automotive and aerospace industries require new lightweight materials that enhance payload and improve efficiency via vehicle weight reduction. Employing composites, such as fiber-reinforced polymers, is a common approach to lightweighting. In this work, we examine methodologies to develop cellulose-reinforced polymer composites. Cellulosic reinforcements offer advantages compared to traditional reinforcing agents in sustainable materials sourcing, lower density, and lower cost. However, as produced cellulosics are hydrophilic and immiscible with most non-polar thermoset polymer resins. In this study, a variety of atomic layer deposition (ALD)-derived surface modification schemes are discussed as methods to improve resin permeation within the fibrous paper structure and interfacial adhesion between the polymer and the cellulose paper. Specifically, we consider surface modification of the cellulose paper with the ALD-precursors trimethylaluminum (TMA) and titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4), as well as with vapor-delivered carboxylic acids and silanes. Treatments are found to make the cellulose prepreg more hydrophobic. Composites treated with both atomic layer deposition and vapordelivered species are found to improve in Young’s modulus and maximum tensile strength. Furthermore, the TiCl4 – H2O surface treatment results in a composite tensile strength equal to that of a 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, a widely-used surface modifying agent, treatment while avoiding the disadvantages of using wet chemistry. The structural enhancements in the cellulose – resin composite, as demonstrated via optical imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), inform these improvements in mechanical properties.


DOI
10.12783/asc34/31391

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