Patent ID: 6103790
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: C08J,C08L

Abstract:
A composition comprising an amorphous thermoplastic polymer matrix and a cellulose filler, the cellulose filler having from 1% to less than 15% individualized cellulose microfibrils each formed of a series of microcrystals separated by zones of amorphous cellulose; said microfibrils having an average length greater than a micrometer, a diameter between about 2-30 nm, an aspect ratio greater than 60, and a degree of crystallinity greater than 20%; wherein said microfibrils are selected from the group consisting of tunicin, algae with cellulose-containing walls, parenchymal, and mixtures thereof; and wherein the glass transition temperature of the composition is substantially the same as said matrix but introduction of said microfibrils expresses an increase of relaxation modulus in dynamic mechanics, an increase of slope at the origin, in particular at high temperature, and an increase of stress equivalent to plasticity reversal point.