All-Cellulose Nanocomposites Reinforced with in Situ Retained Cellulose Nanocrystals during Selective Dissolution of Cellulose in an Ionic Liquid

Abstract

All-cellulose nanocomposites, with cellulose nanocrystals as the reinforcing phase and regenerated cellulose as the matrix, are prepared by a partial dissolution method in 1-ally-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AmimCl), followed by solution casting. The direct images of many undissolved nanocrystals in cellulose/AmimCl solutions have been observed clearly by conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) also proves that there are original cellulose I crystals in regenerated cellulose films. The nanocomposite films are compact, isotropic and transparent to visible light, and show good mechanical properties as a result of the nanocrystals reinforcement. Using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as the raw material, the optimal tensile strength and elastic modulus of nanocomposite films have reached 135 MPa and 8.1 GPa, respectively, by controlling the dissolution temperature and time. This work provides an easy and effective pathway to prepare all-cellulose composites.

Trans crystallization behavior and strong reinforcement effect of cellulose nanocrystals on reinforced poly(butylene succinate) nanocomposites

“…[18][19][20] In particular, its Young's and elastic moduli are reported to be over 100 and 143 GPa, respectively, originating from strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds.…”

“…In order to overcome this problem, several groups have used solvent casting to prevent self-association behavior or melt compounding process with modied CNCs to lower the hydrophilicity. [16][17][18]25,26 Even of these methods are costly, it is difficult to obtain commercial nanocomposites with satisfactory physical properties. Improving the dispersibility of CNCs in a linear biodegradable polymer thus remains a big challenge.…”

A Promising Energetic Polymer from Posidonia oceanica Brown Algae: Synthesis, Characterization, and Kinetic Modeling

“…According to the literature, the use of cellulose as polymer precursor to produce energetic materials instead of other thermoplastic elastomer is due to its potential benefits like the easy and cheap availability, non‐toxicity, biodegradability, renewability as well as the great oxygen amount . Furthermore, it is well known that cotton and wood are the most commonly used raw materials to obtain cellulose precursor .…”

High‐Strength and Tough Crystalline Polysaccharide‐Based Materials†

“…[ 103 ] Similarly, all‐cellulose nanocomposites were also fabricated with ionic liquid systems with relatively high mechanical properties. [ 104 ]…”