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

Hydrogel composites can be prepared from cellulose-based materials and other gel materials, thus combining the advantages of both kinds of material. The aerogel, porous material formed after removing the water in the hydrogel, can maintain the network structure. Hydrogel and aerogel have high application potential. However, low mechanical strength and weight loss of cellulose hydrogel due to the water dehydration/absorption limit the feasibility of repeated use. In this study, cellulose hydrogels were prepared using microcrystalline cellulose (MC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) as raw materials. Waterborne polyurethane (WPU) was added during the preparation process to form cellulose/WPU composite hydrogel and aerogel. The influence of the cellulose type and WPU addition ratio on the performance of hydrogel and aerogel were investigated. The results show that the introduction of WPU can help strengthen and stabilize the structure of cellulose hydrogel, reduce weight loss caused by water absorption and dehydration, and improve its reusability. The mixing of cellulose and WPU at a weight ratio of 90/10 is the best ratio to make the cellulose/WPU composite aerogel with the highest water swelling capacity and heat resistance.