Abstract
Novel lignin-chitosan polyelectrolyte fibres were produced through a reactive electrospinning process. Polyelectrolyte formation between the anionic lignin and cationic chitosan was controlled through the pH of the solution. Through manipulating the polyelectrolyte complex formation, fibres could be effectively produced from two biopolymers, which are normally very difficult to electrospin on their own. Though minimal amounts of the petroleum-derived polyethylene oxide were introduced into the solution to enhance the spinnability of the polyelectrolyte solution, it could be easily removed from the fibres post spinning by washing with water. Thus, pure biopolymer fibres could be produced. The optimum composition of lignin to chitosan was identified through SEM, FTIR and TGA analysis of the electrospun fibres. Fluorescence spectra of the electrospun fibres reveal the homogeneous distribution of lignin and chitosan components throughout the fibre network.
Highlights
Carbon fibres have been studied extensively for their scientific and technological importance and are finding application in many fields including catalysis [1], composites [2,3,4], filtration [5,6,7], and alternative energy technologies [8]
Though minimal amounts of the petroleum-derived polyethylene oxide were introduced into the solution to enhance the spinnability of the polyelectrolyte solution, it could be removed from the fibres post spinning by washing with water
CS and polyethylene oxide (PEO) were dissolved in acetic acid and deionized water, while sodium carbonate lignin (SCL) was dissolved in deionized water
Summary
Carbon fibres have been studied extensively for their scientific and technological importance and are finding application in many fields including catalysis [1], composites [2,3,4], filtration [5,6,7], and alternative energy technologies [8]. Carbon fibres are advantageous due to being a light weight material with a high specific modulus and strength, good thermal/electrical conductivity and being structurally stable against various environmental changes [2, 9]. The demand for carbon fibres has steadily increased and it is expected to continue to rise in the following years [10]. The highest demands for carbon fibres are in the automobile and aerospace industries as their light weight allows for improved fuel efficiencies [11]. A recent advancement in carbon fibre technology is their nanofabrication. The main precursor material used in carbon fibre production is the synthetic/ petroleum-based polymer polyacrylonitrile (PAN) [9]. Depending on the precursor material used, the properties of the carbon fibre can vary.
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