The preparation and characteristics of low-density polyethylene composites containing cellulose treated with cellulase

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) composites containing untreated cellulose, cellulose treated with cellulase, and cellulose treated with cellulase after pretreating with NaOH were prepared. The purpose of the cellulase treatment of cellulose is to enhance the interfacial adhesion between the cellulose and the matrix. The effect of this treatment was studied by viscometry and X-ray diffraction. Maleic anhydride-g-polyethylene (MAH-PE) was also added to the composite to enhance interfacial interactions between the cellulose and the matrix and to increase the dispersibility and the wettability of cellulose. The increased adhesion in composites containing the treated cellulose and MAH-PE was studied by FTIR. In addition, the thermal, dynamic mechanical, and tensile properties of the composites were investigated. When MAH-PE was added to the composite, it was found that the reaction between MAH-PE and treated cellulose occurred more easily.