Title
Effects of acetylation process and cellulose content on the mechanical thermal morphological and rheological properties of poly (vinyl chloride)/cellulose composites
Authors
MERIAMA BEZTOUT AMAR BOUKERROU HOCINE DJIDJELLI CLAIRE BARRES and FRANCOISE FENOUILLOT

Received February 12, 2014
Published Volume 49 Issue 5-6 May-June
Keywords cellulose, poly (vinyl chloride), acetylation, composites, interfacial adhesion

Abstract
The aim of the present work is the chemical modification of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) by acetic anhydride and using it as reinforcement in poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC). The treatment efficiency was assessed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and contact angle measurements. Likewise, the morphological, mechanical, thermal and viscoelastic properties of the composites were studied. The different changes in the FTIR spectra and contact angle measurements corroborate the occurrence of chemical modification. The acetylation has improved the compatibility between the PVC and MCC by diminishing the surface energy of the fiber. This contributes to the amelioration of the interfacial adhesion, which appears in the SEM images. The treated and untreated cellulose has decreased the mechanical properties of PVC. The modulus and the thermal stability of PVC were improved by the introduction of both untreated and treated cellulose.