Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced cellulose fibers by electrospinning.
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were successfully incorporated in ultrafine cellulose fibers by electrospinning MWCNT-loaded cellulose acetate (CA) solutions, followed by deacetylation of CA to cellulose (cell). The mean fiber diameter reduced from 321 nm of the as-spun fibers to 257 and 228 nm of those with 0.11 and 0.55 wt % MWCNTs, respectively, and became more uniform. Hydrolysis of CA to cell further reduced the mean fiber sizes by another 8-16%. The MWCNTs were observed to be well-aligned along the fiber axes. The MWCNT/cell composite fibers had increased specific surface, from 4.27 m(2)/g to 5.07 and 7.69 m(2)/g at 0.11 and 0.55 wt % MWCNTs, respectively, and much improved water wettability. The mechanical properties of the fibers were also greatly enhanced with increased MWCNT loading levels. The fact that MWCNTs were observed in only about a third of the fibers at a very low 0.55 wt % loading suggests significantly higher tensile strength may be achieved by a further increase in MWCNT loadings.
Lu
Ping
P
Fiber and Polymer Science, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA.
Hsieh
You-Lo
YL
D002482:Cellulose / Q000737:chemistry*; D004563:Electrochemistry; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman; D013718:Tensile Strength; D016474:Weight-Bearing
D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D002482:Cellulose