Randomly oriented and aligned cellulose fibres reinforced with cellulose nanowhiskers, prepared by electrospinning

The goal of this work was to prepare random and aligned cellulose fibres by electrospinning. Cellulose acetate (CA) was used as a matrix and a mixture of acetic acid and acetone (1:1) was used as an solvent. Cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs) with different concentrations (0-5 wt-%) were used as reinforcement. Microscopy studies showed fibres with smooth surfaces, different morphologies and diameters ranging between 200 and 3300 nm. It was found that the fibre diameters decreased with increased CNW contents. The microscopy studies also indicated well aligned fibres. Results from dynamic mechanical thermal analysis indicated improved mechanical properties with the addition of CNWs. The storage modulus of electrospun CA fibres increased from 81 to 825 MPa for fibres with 1 wt-% CNW at room temperature. X-ray analysis showed that the electrospun CA fibres had a crystalline nature and that there was no significant change in crystallinity with the addition of CNWs.