Work

Water Hyacinth as a Renewable Source of Cellulose Nanofibers: Fabrication and Properties of Optically Transparent Nanocomposites

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Due to its rapid reproduction, high cellulose content, and low lignin proportion, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a sustainable raw material for preparing cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). We extracted CNFs from water hyacinth and used them to fabricate nanopapers. Transparent nanocomposites were subsequently developed by immersing the CNF-derived nanopapers in acrylic resins. These nanocomposites exhibited promising mechanical properties and optical transparency. Compared with neat acrylic films, the nanocomposites exhibited a 13.5-fold improved tensile strength, an 80-fold increased Young’s modulus, and similar tensile strain. These considerably increased mechanical properties were attributed to strong interfacial bonding between the acrylic resin and CNF nanopaper, estimated by the rule of mixtures. Moreover, the CNF nanopaper significantly decreased the coefficient of thermal expansion of the acrylic resin from 192.3 to 16.3 ppm K−1, which is comparable to that of borosilicate glass. The outstanding properties of these nanocomposites render them suitable for applications in flexible optoelectronic devices, such as organic light – emitting diode displays and solar cells.

Source: Journal of Natural Fibers

DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2024.2429180

Authors: Supachok Tanpichai, Subir Kumar Biswas

Institutions: King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Bangladesh Forest Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Cellulose Research Studies

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,070

Funders: King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand Science Research and Innovation, Innovation Fund