THESIS - ROC CH ... - FINAL - resubmission.pdf - University of Guelph

Figure 5.2: Light optical microscopy images of SMF suspensions at low (a) and high
(b) magnification. ........................................................................................... 53
Figure 5.3: SEM micrographs of cellulose fibers through the different stages of the
extraction process. Both columns were obtained from the same
specimen at different magnifications levels. ................................................. 55
Figure 5.4: TEM micrographs of SMF suspensions. All three images are
representative of a given sample of fiber suspension. Nanofibrils (a)
form larger nano-sized bundles (b) which bundle further to create micro
sized bundles of fiber (c). .............................................................................. 56
Figure 5.5: a) SEM and b) TEM micrographs of soy nanofibers released after acid
hydrolysis. SEM micrograph was obtained from freeze dried fiber
suspension. .................................................................................................... 57
Figure 5.6: Size distribution of SNF suspensions obtained from TEM images. .............. 58
Figure 5.7: FTIR spectra of fibers obtained after specific steps of the extraction
process........................................................................................................... 60
Figure 5.8: Wide angle x-ray diffraction pattern of fibers obtained after specific
stages through the extraction process. ......................................................... 62
Figure 6.1: Overview of the methodology used to extrude SPI/cellulose blend films.
The effect of cellulose addition is shown through the viscosity of the
initial premixed fiber/glycerol/water suspension............................................ 66
Figure 6.2: Presence of cellulose rich agglomerates observed throughout the
process of extrusion. a) Aggregate formed inside the extruder barrel
wrapping around screw. b) Clumps seen through strand formation after
compounding. c) Aggregated fragments embedded in SPII/cellulose
blend films at high fiber loadings. .................................................................. 69
Figure 6.3: Image of 1 inch wide specimens of SPI/cellulose blend films seen
through a cross polarized light filter. Circled are clusters of aggregated
cellulose fibers. .............................................................................................. 71
Figure 6.4: Polarized light microscopy of cellulose/SPI blend films displaying
homogeneity of dispersed fibers with increasing concentration from
0.25%. Circled are macroscopic aggregates formed by micrometersized
fibers found with fiber loading of 1% and greater ................................ 72
Figure 6.5: SEM micrographs of SPI/Cellulose blend films. ............................................ 74
Figure 6.6: Tensile strength with respect to fiber content and relative humidity.............. 77
Figure 6.7: Modulus of Elasticity with respect to fiber content and relative humidity ...... 78
Figure 6.8: Elongation with respect to fiber content and relative humidity ...................... 79
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