Hybrid nanocomposites based on cellulose nanocrystals/nanofibrils and carbon nanotubes: From preparation to applications

Polymer composites are now playing an essential role in all aspects of human activities through a wide range of applications. However, conventional methods for preparing these materials are using high concentrations (over 40 wt%) of conventional fillers (mm size) limiting their potential in terms of uses, costs, performances, and processability. Today, based on green chemistry and sustainable development concepts, using lower filler concentration is the main target but should provide excellent properties. This is the main reason why nanoparticles, with at least one dimension between 1 and 100 nm, were seen as the best candidates to develop high performance composites. One family of nanoparticles is carbon-based such as fullerenes, carbon nanotubes (CNT), and graphene, having unique structures. These nanoparticles led to a large number of recent publications on several aspects like (1) processing methods, (2) performance analysis, (3) structure-properties relationships/models, and (4) possible applications of these new materials. This work reported on different polymer matrices, including modification/compatibilization methods, to improve dispersion, adhesion, and efficiency.