Innovative upcycling cigarette filters into high-performance cellulose nanofiber-epoxy composites

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Cigarette filters are a major source of persistent environmental pollution.
• Cellulose-based materials offer potential for sustainable composite development.
• Upcycling waste into high-value products is crucial for a circular economy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel method for upcycling cigarette filter waste into high-performance epoxy composites.
• To investigate the use of regenerated cellulose nanofibers derived from cigarette filters as reinforcement.
• To evaluate the mechanical, thermal, and optical properties of the resulting composites.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of cellulose acetate nanofibers from used cigarette butts via purification and electrospinning.
• Conversion of extracted nanofibers into regenerated cellulose nanofibers through alkaline hydrolysis.
• Fabrication of four distinct epoxy composites using recycled cellulose acetate nanofibers, regenerated cellulose nanofibers, and their commercial counterparts.
• Characterization using FTIR, XRD, SEM, contact angle measurements, tensile tests, and thermal analysis.

Main Results:

• Successful regeneration of cellulose nanofibers from cigarette filter waste with improved hydrophilicity and uniform morphology (200-300 nm).
• Epoxy composites reinforced with regenerated cellulose nanofibers exhibited superior tensile strength (49.5-53.8 MPa) compared to cellulose acetate nanofiber composites and neat epoxy.
• Composites demonstrated good thermal stability (300-400 °C) and enhanced optical transparency.
• Improved nanofiber dispersion and interfacial adhesion within the epoxy matrix were observed.

Conclusions:

• This research presents a sustainable and high-value application for cigarette filter waste by transforming it into advanced epoxy composites.
• Regenerated cellulose nanofibers from waste cigarette filters offer superior reinforcement properties compared to cellulose acetate nanofibers.
• The developed composites possess excellent mechanical, thermal, and optical characteristics, suitable for various applications.