One-pot synthesis of aminated cellulose nanofibers by biological grinding for enhanced thermal conductivity nanocomposites

Aminated cellulose nanofibers (A-CNF) with high thermostability (>350 degrees C), high crystallinity (81.25 %), and high dispersion stability were extracted from biological grinding biomass through one-pot microwave-hydrothermal synthesis. Worm-eaten wood powder (WWP) as the product of biological grinding by borers is a desirable lignocellulose for fabricating A-CNF in a green and cost-effective way since it is a well-milled fine powder with dimension of dozens of microns, which can be used directly, saving energy and labor. Generated A-CNF proved to be an excellent reinforcing and curing agent for constructing high performance epoxy nano composites. The nanocomposites exhibited a thermal conductivity enhancement of about 120 %, coefficient of thermal expansion reduction of 78 %, and Young's modulus increase of 108 % at a low A-CNF loading of 1 wt.%, demonstrating their remarkable reinforcing potential and effective stress transfer behavior. The process proposed herein might help to bridge a closed-loop carbon cycle in the whole production-utilization of biomass.

Automated summary

Aminated cellulose nanofibers (A-CNF) with high thermal stability, crystallinity, and dispersion stability are extracted from biological grinding biomass through one-pot microwave-hydrothermal synthesis. These A-CNF serve as excellent reinforcing and curing agents in constructing high performance epoxy nano composites, demonstrating significant enhancements in thermal conductivity, thermal expansion reduction, and Young's modulus. This process may facilitate a closed-loop carbon cycle in the production and utilization of biomass.