Thermal properties of nanofibrillated cellulose/PMMA/MMA/benzoyl peroxide-reinforced transparent epoxy nanocomposites

This study presents the synergistic effects of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), methyl methacrylate (MMA), and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) additives on the thermal properties of nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were fabricated by the casting method through the incorporation of 1%, 3%, and 5% NFC, 0.05% PMMA and MMA, and 0.005% BPO into epoxy resin. The results of the thermal analysis indicate that the thermal stability, residue content, storage modulus (E′), loss modulus (E″), and tan delta (Tan δ) values of all reinforced nanocomposites significantly increased compared to the neat epoxy samples. The findings demonstrate that the nanocomposites containing 3% NFC, 0.05% PMMA and MMA, and 0.005% BPO exhibited superior thermal resistance and stability, along with the highest storage modulus, loss modulus, and tan delta values. Based on the obtained results, it was determined that a 3% NFC loading is the most optimal ratio for enhancing the thermal properties of sustainable transparent nanocomposites, making these materials suitable for advanced material applications.