Synthesis and characterization of nanocellulose - based composites and their utilization in textiles and other applications

Abstract

In recent years, a new research trend has been adopted world – wide for synthesis of cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW) from several cellulose sources. Nanowhisker is strongly advocated as a reinforcement material by virtue of its unique characteristics. Nanowhisker possesses nanoscale dimensions, high specific area, and highly rigid crystalline structure. In comparison to mineral or metal nanofillers that are industrially available, cellulose nanowhiskers are prepared from renewable feed stocks, feature low density, are relatively low cost compared to many other synthetic reinforcement materials, and remain biodegradable. The candidate original work aims at innovating new strategies for synthesis and characterization of cellulose nanowhiskers and possible applications of these cellulose nanoparticles before and after chemical modification in the area of reinforcement and other applications such as in the synthesis of nanometal particles and processing of novel stimuli hybrid hydrogel. Given below are summaries of and conclusions arrived at from these studies. xxiv 1: MODULATION OF THE NANOSTRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CELLULOSE NANOWHISKERS Modulation of nanostructural characteristics of cellulose nanowhiskers (CNW) was achieved via synthesis of the latter from native cotton cellulose using three different sulfuric acid concentrations. Of these, 60% (w/w) sulfuric acid was found the most adequate. When this particular concentration was used at 60 0C for 60 min. to extract CNW from the native cotton cellulose, the resultant CNW display salient features. Specifically, thus obtained CNW are characterized by 57% yield (based on dry weight of cellulose), size diameter of 10 – 25 nm and size length of 80 – 200 nm, degree of crystallinity of 90% while maintaining the crystalline structure of cellulose I, similar functionality and typical profile like the native cotton cellulose but with significantly different thermal behavior. Indeed, these characteristics advocate the CNW in question as a good candidate in the area of reinforcement and applications.