Water molecules as mobile phase for interconnected channel into C2H3O2-substituted cellulose and polypropylene for porous materials

Abstract

In this study, a novel approach is proposed to establish connections between the channels of polypropylene (PP) and C2H3O2-substituted cellulose (ASC), which is a biodegradable polymer. The primary objective of this research is to develop an environmentally friendly and stable separator that achieves a balance between high performance and safety. By employing vacuum treatment, the interconnected channel ensures the thermal stability of C2H3O2-substituted cellulose while creating a composite separator with abundant pores for ion channels. The presence of lactic acid, which possesses a hydroxyl group as a functional group, acts as a plasticizer and interacts with C2H3O2-substituted cellulose (ASC). The vacuum treatment facilitates the easy passage of lactic acid through both the PP and C2H3O2-substituted cellulose (ASC) due to the vacuum force. As a result, minimal additive residue is observed in the ASC layer, unlike the water pressure method used to form pores in the PP/ASC/LA separator. Moreover, the interaction and adhesion between ASC and PP occur, enabling the formation of channels between ASC and PP through the plasticized area when vacuum is applied. This process facilitates the passage of water molecules as a mobile phase, resulting in the formation of straight-forward abundant pores.