Nanocellulose and nanoclay as reinforcement materials in polymer composites: a review

Abstract

The advancement of nanotechnology has opened a new opportunity to develop nanocomposites using nanocellulose (NC) and nanoclay (NCl). Researchers have regarded these nanocomposites as promising substitutes for conventional polymers because of their characteristic and useful features, which include exceptional strength and stiffness, low weight, and low environmental impact. These features of NC and NCl explain their multifarious applications across many sectors. Here we review NC and NCl as well as various reinforced polymer composites that are made up of either of the two nanomaterials. The structural and physicochemical properties of NC and NCl are highlighted, along with the mechanical behavior and thermal properties of NC. Current nanomaterial hybrid biopolymers for the production of novel high-performance polymer nanocomposites are also discussed with respect to their mechanical properties.