Nanocellulose reinforced composites for electrical drones

Important results from the project

The goal of the project was to investigate how nanocellulose can be dispersed in epoxy and what properties a composite material consisting of glass fiber/epoxy/nanocellulose obtains. A number of materials with different contents of cellulose were produced and characterized, among other things, through mechanical testing. The cellulose could be dispersed in epoxy to a certain degree, but further studies are needed to investigate this further. The results also showed that strength decreased with increased cellulose content compared to pure fiberglass and epoxy.

Expected long term effects

The results showed that there are difficulties in dispersing the nanocellulose that was available within the project in epoxy. To investigate this further, further studies are needed regarding, for example, which possible solvents can contribute to good dispersion. Mechanical testing showed that strength and stiffness decreased with an increased proportion of cellulose in the composite material. For one of the epoxy variants used, it was shown that the material was able to withstand a longer elongation before breaking when the percentage of cellulose is increased.

Approach and implementation

The project began with a screening of bio-based epoxy variants that could be used as a matrix for our materials. A number of different variants were found and studied to see if they could be current. Two commercial bio-based epoxy variants were selected for further studies, Infugreen 810 and Greenpoxy 56. Laminates with glass fiber/epoxy/nanocellulose were produced by vacuum injection. Uniaxial tensile testing was chosen as the main characterization method where material properties such as tensile strength and stiffness can be obtained.