CELL 230 |
| Recently a significantly interest in nanotechnology has triggered research in the area of micro/nanofibers based on composite materials. In these applications cellulose can be regarded as an attractive option as reinforcing material. Therefore, we have used cellulose whiskers obtained after acid hydrolysis of wood fibers as filler in hydrophobic microfiber polymer matrices. The microfiber matrices were obtained via electrospinning of fluid jet subject to a critical electric field. The microfibers and nonwoven structures obtained were characterized by their high porosity and surface-to-volume ratios. Both of these characteristics are often required in high-performance applications. We discuss the unique opportunities of the obtained composites in terms of stiffness and strength as well as the possibility of subsequent surface chemical modification. Thermal and mechanical tests of the composite structures were carried out to analyze their potential functionalities. Our results show that a strong filler-polymer matrix interaction is developed during the electrospinning process between the whiskers and the polymer matrix. The main effect of the filler is a significant increase of the storage modulus of composites based on electrospun microfibers. |
|
Biobased Nanocomposites and Nanotechnology
8:00 AM-12:15 PM, Wednesday, April 9, 2008 Morial Convention Center -- Rm. R09, Oral
Division of Cellulose & Renewable Materials |