Thermal properties of nanocellulose-reinforced composites: A review

Nanocellulose has received increasing attention in science and industry in recent years as a nanoscale material for the reinforcement of polymer matrix composites due to its superior mechanical properties, renewability, and biodegradability. New nanocellulose sources, modifications, and treatments are under development to reduce the high energy required during production and to create a more suitable industrial-scale production process. Thus, this paper reviews plant-based nanocellulose composites and their properties, with a focus on their thermal-related characteristics. The purpose of this review is to establish for readers the impact of the incorporation of nanocellulose on the thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of nanocellulose composites. Understanding of the thermal properties is important for researchers to assess the suitability of the nanocomposites for a variety of applications in response to new and evolving societal requirements. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48544.