Molecular design of polymer dispersants for the improvement of toughness of cellulose nanofiber-reinforced resin composite materials

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K05600
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 35020:Polymer materials-related
• Research Institution: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (2020-2021); Kyoto University (2019)
• Principal Investigator: Sakakibara Keita 国立研究開発法人産業技術総合研究所, 材料・化学領域, 主任研究員 (20618649)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: セルロースナノファイバー / 高分子分散剤 / ボトルブラシ / 蛍光 / 樹脂複合材料 / 溶融混練

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) has attracted much attention as a reinforcing filler for polymer composite materials. In most cases, the drop in toughness for the CNF-reinforced composites is crucial. The purpose of this study is to improve the dispersion, nano-fibrillation, and toughness in the CNF-reinforced polymer composites through the interfacial control between CNF and polymer matrices by well-designed polymer dispersants. Firstly, fluorescent-labeled diblock copolymers were synthesized and successfully used for the visualization of CNF in polyethylene, identifying some processing issues. Secondly, bottlebrush-type dispersants were synthesized and used for the CNF / polypropylene (PP) composites. As a result, the bottlebrush exhibited similar properties as well-used maleic anhydride grafted PP.

Free Research Field

高分子化学、木材化学、セルロース化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

セルロースナノファイバー（CNF）による樹脂補強に関する研究開発において、様々な界面制御手法が提案されてきた。本研究では、制御ラジカル重合技術を活用し、CNF強化樹脂の靭性向上に必要なCNFの分散・解繊状態やネットワーク構造を把握する手法を開発したとともに、ボトルブラシ分散剤を提案し、その可能性を広げた点は意義深いと考える。最近注目を集める部分ナノ化CNFを用いた複合材やリサイクル樹脂への適用も可能と考える。今後、本研究の成果が、CNFの社会実装の一助となることを期待する。