Regenerated cellulose/multiwalled carbon nanotube composite films with efficient electric heating performance

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Regenerated cellulose is a versatile biopolymer with potential applications in advanced materials.
• Enhancing the electrical and thermal properties of cellulose composites is crucial for developing novel functional materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize regenerated cellulose-based composite films reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT).
• To investigate the potential of these composite films as efficient electric heating materials.

Main Methods:

• Composite films were prepared using a facile casting method with varying MWCNT concentrations (0.2-10.0 wt%).
• Microstructure, thermal stability, and electrical properties were analyzed using TEM, thermal analysis, and electrical resistivity measurements.

Main Results:

• MWCNT were well-dispersed within the regenerated cellulose matrix.
• Composite films exhibited good thermal stability up to ~275°C.
• Electrical resistivity decreased significantly from ~10^9 Ωcm to ~10^1 Ωcm with increasing MWCNT content, particularly between 2.0-3.0 wt%.

Conclusions:

• Composite films with 5.0-10.0 wt% MWCNT demonstrated excellent electric heating performance, including rapid temperature response and high energy efficiency.
• The material showed stable performance over several hours of repeated use, highlighting its potential for electric heating applications.