Direct fabrication of all-cellulose nanocomposite from cellulose microfibers using ionic liquid-based nanowelding

Biomacromolecules. 2011 Nov 14;12(11):4080-5. doi: 10.1021/bm201147a. Epub 2011 Oct 5.

Abstract

All-cellulose nanocomposite was directly fabricated using nanowelding of cellulose microfibers as a starting material, in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) as a solvent, for the first time. The average diameter of the reinforcing component (undissolved nanofibrils) in the nanocomposite made directly from cellulose microfibers (NC-microfiber) was 53 ± 16 nm. Owing to its high mechanical properties (tensile strength of 208 MPa and Young's modulus of 20 GPa), high transparency (76% at a wavelength of 800 nm), and complete barrier to air and biodegradability, the NC-microfiber is regarded as a high multiperformance material. The NC-microfiber made directly from cellulose microfibers showed similar macro-, micro-, and nanostructures and the same properties as those made from solvent-based welding of ground cellulose nanofibers (NC-nanofiber). Omitting the step of cellulose nanofiber production makes the direct production of all-cellulose nanocomposite from cellulose microfibers easier, shorter, and cheaper than using cellulose nanofibers as starting material. The direct nanowelding of macro/micrometer-sized materials is theorized to be a fundamental approach for making nanocomposites.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cellulose / chemistry*
  • Cellulose / ultrastructure
  • Elastic Modulus
  • Imidazoles / chemistry*
  • Ionic Liquids / chemistry*
  • Nanofibers / chemistry*
  • Nanofibers / ultrastructure
  • Nanotechnology
  • Optical Phenomena
  • Permeability
  • Tensile Strength
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Imidazoles
  • Ionic Liquids
  • 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride
  • Cellulose