Effects of Regenerated Cellulose and Natural Fiber on Interfacial Adhesion, Rheology and Crystallization Property in epsilon-Polycaprolactone Compounds

Regenerated cellulose fiber (RN) and natural fiber (pine wood fiber (PW)) filled epsilon-polycaprolactone (PCL) compound, PCL/RN (90/05 and 75/25 wt%) and PCL/PW (90/05, 75/25 and 50/50 wt%). are investigated with regard to interfacial adhesion, rheological properties, morphology, nucleation and mechanical properties. The interfacial adhesion of the RN filled PCL compounds shows better value,; than that of the PW filled ones. As the concentration of the RN and the PW particles is increased, the dynamic viscosity, the crystallization temperature and the elongation modulus are increased: however, the elongation strain is decreased. The viscosity of the RN filled compounds is higher than that of the PW ones at the same loadings. Striking differences are observed in elongation yield stress measurements. As the concentration of the particles is increased, while the elongation yield stress of the RN compounds is significantly increased, that of the PW compounds does not show significant improvement. More spherulites are locally developed on the RN surface than on the PW surface. We conclude the interfacial adhesion of the RN Surface with the PCL is better than that of the PW surface with the PCL. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2009