Highly dense and porous structure generated by 1,2,3-trihydroxy propane in cellulose materials

Abstract

In this study, for the first time, we succeeded in manufacturing a high molecular weight cellulose acetate (CA) for based battery separator, capable of controlling pores and improved thermal stability and mechanical strength without a support. The CA/1,2,3-trihydroxy-propane composite as film-type was prepared by a free-standing method using doctor blade. The composite was applied to hydraulic pressure from 2 to 8 bar. Due to 1,2,3-trihydroxy-propane, the plasticized area of the composite was pierced by high water-pressure to form channels. It was proved that the number and size of pores can be controlled by adjusting the water pressure. The pore size became varied from nano to micro-size and the average pore size was 224 nm with 84.6% of the porosity. While measuring the thermal decomposition temperature of the composite by TGA, it was observed that the composite with water pressure at 8 bar began to be thermally decomposed at about the same temperature as the neat CA film but decomposed more slowly. In addition, it was confirmed that the intermolecular interaction force between CA chains increased through FT-IR spectroscopy. Therefore, it can be deduced that the thermostability and mechanical strength were improved despite the formation of pores by applying water-pressure.