Bio-Based Hydrogel and Aerogel Composites Prepared by Combining Cellulose Solutions and Waterborne Polyurethane

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Cellulose hydrogels and aerogels offer high application potential due to their unique properties.
• Limitations include low mechanical strength and weight loss during water absorption/dehydration, hindering repeated use.
• Composite materials can overcome these limitations by combining advantageous properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel cellulose/waterborne polyurethane (WPU) composite hydrogels and aerogels.
• To investigate the impact of different cellulose types (microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose) and WPU ratios on material performance.
• To enhance the mechanical strength, stability, and reusability of cellulose-based gels.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of cellulose hydrogels using microcrystalline cellulose (MC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC).
• Incorporation of waterborne polyurethane (WPU) into the cellulose matrix during hydrogel formation.
• Characterization of the resulting composite hydrogels and aerogels, analyzing performance variations with cellulose type and WPU content.

Main Results:

• Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) addition significantly strengthens and stabilizes the cellulose hydrogel structure.
• WPU incorporation reduces weight loss associated with water absorption and dehydration cycles.
• The optimal cellulose/WPU weight ratio of 90/10 yielded a composite aerogel with superior water swelling capacity and heat resistance.

Conclusions:

• Cellulose/WPU composites effectively address the mechanical and stability limitations of pure cellulose hydrogels and aerogels.
• The developed composite materials demonstrate improved reusability and enhanced performance characteristics.
• The 90/10 cellulose/WPU ratio represents an optimal formulation for high-performance composite aerogels.