Cover Picture: Multifunctional Bionanocomposite Foams with a Chitosan Matrix Reinforced by Nanofibrillated Cellulose (ChemNanoMat 2/2017)

Abstract

Multifunctional bionanocomposite foams with a 3D interconnected network were made from a chitosan matrix reinforced with nanofibrillated cellulose. The bionanocomposite foams display a number of interesting properties, including the fact that they are very soft but have high durability, high thermal insulation, underwater oleophobicity, and high biocompatibility for boosting the growth of L929 cells. These results indicate that the bionanocomposite foams have great potential in a wide range of applications, including as disposable and high‐performance filtration media for water purification, packaging, and biological scaffolds. More information can be found in the Full Paper by H. Yu, W. Chen, et al. on page 98 in Issue 2, 2017 (DOI: 10.1002/cnma.201600266).

Effects of microcrystalline cellulose on some performance properties of chitosan aerogels

“…As shown in Figure 4c, Figure 4d, Figure 4e and Figure 4f; MCC aggregate bundles bonded to chitosan sheets randomly. Previous studies also showed similar structures; Wang et al (2017) investigated the microstructure of chitosan-nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) foams and showed that the NFC bonded to the cell walls/sheets randomly.…”

“…The T %50 found between 341,3 °C and 365 °C. Wang et al (2017) found the T %50 between 300 °C and 350 °C for chitosan-CNF foams. Yildirim et al (2014) found the results between 300 °C and 335 °C for CNF-starch foams.…”

“…Yildirim et al (2014) found the results between 300 °C and 335 °C for CNF-starch foams. Wang et al (2017) found the first dTGA temperature between 300 °C and 359 °C for chitosan-CNF foams. Similarly, the first dTGA temperature of chitosan-MCC aerogels found between 293,99 °C and 316,18 °C.…”

“…The crystallinity of commercial MCC reported as 78 % by El-Sakhawy and Hassan (2007) and 85 % by Adel et al (2011). The crystallinity affects the thermal stability of the final product as reported by Wang et al (2017). There are also limited studies focusing on MCC based composites.…”

“…Many studies focused on blending chitosan with cellulose and its derivatives. For example: Wang et al (2017) produced chitosan and nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) based nanocomposite foam with different ratios by freeze-drying technique. The chitosan-NFC nanocomposite foams showed a highly efficient oil/water separation capacity.…”