Abstract
We report the effect of cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) addition on the structural assembly of silica nanoparticles (NPs) within a nanocellulose fibre matrix. Paper like composites are fabricated by first forming complexes of NPs with CPAM, then adding those to a suspension of nanocellulose fibres; followed by filtration, pressing and drying of the final suspension. Complementary small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and microscopy (SEM, TEM) investigations of these composites showed a lognormal bimodal distribution of NP sizes. Data analysis allows understanding interparticle interactions within assemblies of SiO2 NPs at the nanometer scale with respect to different dosage of CPAM. Increasing CPAM dosage increases retention of NPs within the cellulose matrix with stronger interparticle interactions and produces composites with smaller pores. The correlation length of NPs, indicative of the size of the NP clusters increased from 30 to 70nm as the CPAM dosage increased from 16.5 to 330mg/g NPs. Retention and assembly of SiO2 NPs by varying CPAM dosage results from the balance of different interaction forces between NPs, CPAM and nanocellulose fibres. Understanding the effect of CPAM dosage on the various NP and composite structural conformations enables us to engineer novel hierarchically and functional cellulose based structured materials.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
