Abstract
The mechanical properties of rodlike cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) suggest great potential as bioderived reinforcement in (nano)composites. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) is a useful industrial material and very compatible with CNC chemistry. High performance CNC/PVOH composite fibers were produced coaxial coagulation spinning, followed by hot-drawing. We showed that CNCs increase the alignment and crystallinity of PVOH, as well as providing direct reinforcement, leading to enhanced fiber strength and stiffness. At 40 wt % CNC loading, the strength and stiffness reached 880 MPa and 29.9 GPa, exceeding the properties of most other nanocellulose based composite fibers previously reported.
Highlights
Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are short rigid single crystals of cellulose, generally with a width of ca. 5−20 nm and length of 100−300 nm.[1]
A range of CNC/Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) composites have been prepared, for example by electrospinning (∼50 MPa),[10] cross-linking (∼100 MPa),[11] and liquid crystal microphase separation (0.05 N/tex),[12] mechanical performance is generally inferior compared to expectations
We exploit uniform CNC/PVOH suspensions to prepare high strength nanocomposite fibers via a gel spinning method, followed by hot-drawing. This approach is effective for high CNC loading fractions with excellent dispersion and alignment (Figure 1), as required for mechanically superior composite fibers
Summary
Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are short rigid single crystals of cellulose, generally with a width of ca. 5−20 nm and length of 100−300 nm.[1]. This approach is effective for high CNC loading fractions with excellent dispersion and alignment (Figure 1), as required for mechanically superior composite fibers.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
