Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) Reinforced Cellulose Fibers by Electrospinning

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were successfully incorporated in ultrafine cellulose fibers by electrospinning MWCNT-loaded cellulose acetate (CA) solutions followed by deacetylation of CA to cellulose (cell). The mean fiber diameter reduced from 321 nm of the as spun fibers to 257 and 228 nm of those with 0.11 and 0.55 wt % MWCNTs, respectively, and became more uniform, Hydrolysis of CA to cell further reduced the mean fiber sizes by another 8-16%. The MWCNTs were observed to be well-aligned along the fiber axes. The MWCNT/cell composite fibers had increased specific surface, from 4.27 m(2)/g to 5.07 and 7.69 m(2)/g at 0.11 and 0.55 wt % MWCNTs respectively, and much improved water wettability. The mechanical properties of the fibers were also greatly enhanced with increased MWCNT loading levels. The fact that MWCNTs were observed in only about a third of the fibers at a very low 0.55 wt % loading suggests significantly higher tensile strength may be achieved by a further increase in MWCNT loadings.