Synergistic effects in Methylcellulose/Hydroxyethylcellulose blend: Influence of components ratio and graphene oxide

A specific feature of water-soluble polysaccharides is formation of organized structures in solutions. This study deals with an unexpected effect of 2-hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) on structure and mechanical performance of methylcellulose (MC) films. The values of modulus with 5 and 10 % HEC content exceed those of the linear model, which indicates synergistic effect consisting in formation of ordered structures. However, higher content of HEC leads to worse properties corresponding to contribution of its lower parameters. The structural transformations are confirmed by XRD and polarized-light microscopy. Ability of HEC to support formation of ordered structures in MC solutions is indicated by rheology. Important fact is that low graphene oxide (GO) content has a high reinforcing effect on neat MC or HEC, but its presence in blends is accompanied by elimination of HEC-induced structural transformations. The results confirm complex effect of blending and GO on structure and properties of the MC/HEC system.