Electrospinning of cellulose nanocrystals; procedure and optimization

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose microfibrils (CMFs) can improve electrospun nanofiber mechanical properties.
• Optimizing the integration of CNCs and CMFs into nanofibers is a significant challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize a method for preparing and electrospinning cellulosic solutions for enhanced CNC incorporation into nanofibers.
• To investigate the factors influencing CNC and CMF alignment within electrospun nanofibers.

Main Methods:

• Combined experimental and molecular dynamics simulation approach.
• Exploration of electrospinning solution parameters, focusing on polymer concentration.
• Analysis of cellulose acetate molecular weight, electrostatic fields, and humidity effects on CNC/CMF alignment.

Main Results:

• Polymer solution concentration significantly impacts nanofiber morphology.
• Molecular weight of cellulose acetate, electrostatic fields, and humidity influence CNC and CMF alignment.
• Pure CNCs show greater benefit from electrostatic alignment; lower molecular weight cellulose acetate enhances CNC/CMF alignment.

Conclusions:

• A method for preparing and electrospinning cellulosic solutions was developed to optimize CNC incorporation.
• Understanding the interplay between solution parameters and environmental factors is key to controlling CNC/CMF alignment.
• Tailoring cellulose acetate molecular weight and utilizing electrostatic fields can improve CNC/CMF alignment for advanced nanofiber applications.