Dec. 14, 2015

Iranian researchers from Yasouj University used a simple and quick method to produce bio-nanocomposites with high strength.
The nanocomposites are biodegradable and cost effective and have applications in paint and coating industries and the production of glue.
Cellulose is the most abundant biodegradable and renewable natural polymer in the world. Cellulose materials, including cellulose microfibers, micro-cellulose and cellulose nanocrystals, have been used as reinforcement fillers in a wide range of polymeric matrices.

Based on the results, the biodegradable and cheap nanoparticles significantly improve polymeric properties of polyurethane such as mechanical and thermal properties. The produced nanocomposites actually have higher strength and toughness than the pure polyurethane. This fact enables the nanocomposites to be used in body implants like the cardiovascular implants.
The samples have been produced by dispersing micro-crystalline cellulose in polyurethane monomers through polymerization method.
The produced nanocomposites have more strength in comparison with pure polymer because of covalent interactions and hydrogen bonds between polyurethane and cellulose nanochains. In addition, thermometric tests prove the significant improvement in thermal stability of the bio-nanocomposites in comparison with the pure polymer.