Sustainable Epoxy Composites Enhanced by Cellulose Nanocrystals for Structural and Thermal Applications

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 03 | Page : 126 134
By

P. Saravana Kumar,

Bipin Kumar Srivastava,

Dhivakar Poosapadi,

Sasikumar G,

Mayilvani K,

Nellore Manoj Kumar,

S. Arunprasad,

Binu Sukumar,

K. S. Babulal,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College of Engineering Arni, Thatchur, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. Professor, Department of Applied Sciences, Galgotias College of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
  3. Lead Engineer, Quest Global Services, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  5. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, S.A. Engineering College, Thiruverkadu, Tamil Nadu, India
  6. Adjunct Faculty, Department of Mathematics, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  7. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Sai Ram Engineering College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  8. Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, R.M.K. Engineering college, Kavaraipettai, Tamil Nadu, India
  9. Assistant Professor, Manufacturing Engineering Chair, School of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Dire Dawa Institute of Technology, Dire Dawa University, , Ethiopia

Abstract

This study presents the advancement and behaviour analysis of sustainable nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), a biodegradable and high-aspect-ratio nanofiller derived from microcrystalline cellulose. CNCs were incorporated into a bisphenol-A-based epoxy matrix at varying concentrations (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 wt%) to assess their influence on mechanical, thermal, and viscoelastic properties. The tensile strength of the composites increased significantly, from 45 MPa for neat epoxy to 65 MPa at 5 wt% CNC, while Young’s modulus showed an improvement from 1.8 GPa to 3.0 GPa. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed an enhancement in thermal behaviourthat is attributed to the barrier effect of CNC-derived char layers. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed a rise in glass transition (Tg) from 118 °C to 124 °C and a 50% increase in storage modulus, indicating reduced chain mobility and enhanced stiffness under dynamic loading. However, a marginal drop in all properties was observed at 7 wt% CNC due to particle agglomeration and interfacial inefficiencies. These findings suggest that CNCs can be effectively utilized as green reinforcements in thermosetting polymers, with 5 wt% CNC loading offering the most favorable balance between mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and processing feasibility, making them promising candidates for lightweight, eco-friendly applications in aerospace, automotive, and electronic sectors.

Keywords: Cellulose nanocrystals, epoxy nanocomposites, mechanical reinforcement, thermal stability, sustainable materials.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer & Composites ]

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How to cite this article: P. Saravana Kumar, Bipin Kumar Srivastava, Dhivakar Poosapadi, Sasikumar G, Mayilvani K, Nellore Manoj Kumar, S. Arunprasad, Binu Sukumar, K. S. Babulal. Sustainable Epoxy Composites Enhanced by Cellulose Nanocrystals for Structural and Thermal Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(03):126-134.
How to cite this URL: P. Saravana Kumar, Bipin Kumar Srivastava, Dhivakar Poosapadi, Sasikumar G, Mayilvani K, Nellore Manoj Kumar, S. Arunprasad, Binu Sukumar, K. S. Babulal. Sustainable Epoxy Composites Enhanced by Cellulose Nanocrystals for Structural and Thermal Applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(03):126-134. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=210188

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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 03
Received 18/04/2025
Accepted 07/05/2025
Published 10/05/2025
Publication Time 22 Days

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