Polymer nanocomposites are very important materials of recent times, because of
their significantly enhanced mechanical properties and thermal stability versus neat
polymers or conventional polymer composites. A nanocomposite describes a two-phase
material where one of the phases has at least one dimension in nanometer range (1-100 nm).
The use of natural fibers as reinforcements in polymers and composites has attracted much
attention due to the environmental concerns. Nanocellulose is one of the most abundant
renewable natural polymers, exhibiting a number of well-known advantages, such as
low cost, worldwide availability, biodegradability, high stiffness and good mechanical
properties. Particular attraction is its low density that leads to high specific mechanical
properties. Polyvinyl alcohol is water soluble, semi-crystalline, fully biodegradable,
non-toxic, and biocompatible. Therefore, nanocellulose can be used in reinforcement of
polymer nanocomposites.
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