Effects of Grafting Structure on 1D One-Component Composites: An Example of Surface-Grafted Cellulose Nanofibers

This investigation explores the relationships betweenthe structureand properties of surface-grafted cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-basedone-component composites. Critical parameters, including graft density,graft chain length, and interface structure, were systematically modified.Increasing the graft density and hydrophobic modification of the CNFsurface significantly improved the thermal stability. Reducing thegraft chain length increased the T (g) ofthe graft chain. The hydrophobic modification of the CNF surface decreasedthe T (g) of the graft chains, while increasingthe graft chain length resulted in a reduction in the stiffness. Conversely,decreasing the graft density led to a remarkable enhancement in thetoughness and strength of the nanocomposites. The hydrophobicallymodified nanocomposites exhibited a decrease in modulus and an increasein elasticity. These results highlight the significant role of interfacialinteraction between CNF and the grafted polymer, which is equallycrucial as the graft density in determining the properties of thesecomposites.