How hydrogen-bonding interactions and nanocrystal aspect ratios influence the morphology and mechanical performance of polymer nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals

Abstract

a nucleating effect and H-bonding, which influence the polymer structure in two opposite directions. The nucleating effect tends to lead the polymer chains to form more ordered structures, whereas H-bonding interactions restrict the mobility of the polymer chains. Since PEO has weaker interactions amongst molecular chains than PVA, the properties of PEO are more significantly influenced by CNCs.