Flexible Thermoplastic Cellulose Ether Composites

Abstract

The technical problem of creating elastic low modulus cellulose composites is solved by the introduction into the cellulose ether matrix of low molecular weight and high molecular weight plasticizers and a compatibilizing agent. By optical microscopy it is demonstrated that the structure of the obtained composite has the form of an interpenetrating polymer network. Using atomic force microscopy, composite microstructure is estimated, and compatibility of cellulose ether with rubber in the presence of a compatibilizer is demonstrated.