Effect of acetylation on the properties of microfibrillated cellulose-LDPE composites

Solvent-free acetylation of microfibrillated cellulose was carried out in order to improve their hydrophobicity. All the samples were filled with low-density polyethylene. The morphology, mechanical properties, and water uptake of the ensuing composites were investigated. An excessive reaction time leads to degradation of the fibers, which was observed by scanning electron microscopy and fiber quality analysis. The acetylation treatment did not improve the mechanical properties of composites but extensively decreased the moisture absorption of the composites. (C) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.