By: Fatimah Athiyah Sabaruddin, Hidayah Ariffin, Lawrence Ng Yee Foong, Siti Shazra Shazleen, Pim-on Rujitanaroj, Kasinee Thitiwutthisakul, Patcharin Permpaisarnsakul and Phungjai Tinnasulanon

The polymer industry is increasingly focusing on nanocellulose-based polymer composites owing to their remarkable mechanical properties. However, achieving well-dispersed nanocellulose fillers remains challenging. This unique study compares one-step and two-step melt-blending processes for incorporating spray-dried nanocrystalline cellulose (SD-NCC) at 3 and 5 wt% into polypropylene with a 3 wt% MAPP coupling agent. Both the one-step and two-step compounding processes were evaluated for their effects on nanocellulose distribution and mechanical performance. One-step PP/SD-NCC3 achieved the best properties: 34.8 MPa tensile, 57.3 MPa flexural, and 2.08 kJ m−2 impact strengths. SEM-EDX confirmed good SD-NCC distribution. Two-step 5 wt% SD-NCC showed slight improvements in mechanical, crystallinity, and thermal properties because of its better dispersion, but the one-step process was sufficient for achieving excellent performance. These findings suggest that spray-dried NCC can streamline compounding for large-scale applications.

Sustainability Spotlight

Effective manufacturing is crucial today, and the use of powder nanocellulose signifies innovation in sustainable melt-blending processing. Integrating spray-dried nanocrystalline cellulose (SD-NCC) into polypropylene bionanocomposites via an efficient compounding process highlights this advancement. Using SD-NCC in powder form aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), industry innovation (SDG 9), and climate action (SDG 13). This method reduces manufacturing time and energy consumption while ensuring high material performance. The utilization of SD-NCC paves the way for large-scale eco-friendly industrial applications, marking a substantial leap forward in sustainable materials development.

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Date of Input: 20/11/2024 | Updated: 21/02/2025 | athiyah