Thermo-mechanical properties of innovative microcrystalline cellulose filled composites for art protection and restoration

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) powder was selected as a natural reinforcement for a commercial acrylic adhesive widely used in the field of art protection and restoration (Paraloid B72). In particular, various amounts (from 5 to 30 wt%) of MCC were melt compounded with Paraloid B72 to prepare new thermoplastic polymer composites for the cultural heritage conservation field. Scanning electron microscopy showed that MCC flakes are uniformly dispersed within the matrix at all the tested compositions, without preferential orientation. Thermogravimetric analysis evidenced an increase of thermal stability due to the MCC introduction, even at low filler amounts, while DSC measurements demonstrated that the glass transition temperature progressively increases with the MCC content. Interestingly, DMTA analysis revealed a stabilizing effect on the material produced by microcellulose addition, with an increase of the storage modulus and a decrease of the thermal expansion coefficient, in proportion to the filler loading. Moreover, MCC addition determined an increase of the elastic modulus and creep stability with respect to the neat resin, and an enhancement of fracture toughness (KIC).