Effect of microcrystalline cellulose on mechanical property and shape memory property of water-borne epoxy

Purpose This paper aims to study the effect of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) on the mechanical property and shape memory property of water-borne epoxy (WEP). Design/methodology/approach In the present study, the MCC/WEP composites were successfully prepared by melt-blending, freeze-drying and hot-pressing. The mechanical property tests were performed using a tensile test instrument (Instron Corp, Norwood, Massachusetts, USA). dynamic mechanical analysis Q800 was performed to analyze the sample's dynamic mechanics. The thermal-mechanical cycle tests performed on a thermal mechanical analysis (TMA) Q400 in dynamic TMA mode enabled to analysis of the shape memory properties of the MCC/WEP composites. Findings The results showed that the inclusion of 2 wt.% MCC led to significant improvements in tensile strength and modulus of the composites, with tensile strength increasing by 33.2% and modulus expanding by 65.0%. Although the inclusion of the MCC into WEP enhanced the shape memory property, the MCC/WEP composites still maintained good shape memory fixity and shape memory recovery ratio of more than 95.0%. Originality/value This study has a significant reference value for improving the mechanical properties of WEP and other water-borne shape memory polymers.