Influence of silylated nano cellulose reinforcement on the mechanical, water resistance, thermal, morphological and antibacterial properties of soy protein isolate (SPI)-based composite films.

The aim of this research work is to improve the mechanical and water-resistance properties of soy protein isolate (SPI) biofilm. In this work, 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) coupling-agent modified nanocellulose was introduced into the SPI matrix in the presence of citric acid cross-linker. The presence of amino groups in APTES facilitated the formation of - cross-linked structures with soy protein.

Electrospinning of polyvinyl alcohol into crosslinked nanofibers: An approach to fabricate functional adsorbent for heavy metals.

Electrospun nanofibers have a wide range of applications due to their unique miniature size and accompanying ultra-high specific surface area. Polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) is a kind of hydrophilic materials, and hence its nanofiber morphology prepared by electrospinning disappeared after solution immersing. In the present work, crosslinked PVA nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning and then employing glutaraldehyde vapor crosslinking to improve their water resistance and mechanical properties.

Extraction and characterization of cellulose single fibers from native african napier grass.

With increasing awareness of protecting the environment, the demand for renewable and environmental materials is increasing. In this work, the cellulose single fibers (CSFs) were extracted from the African native Napier grass fibers (NGFs) by chemical process. NGFs and CSFs were characterized for their chemical composition, structure, morphology, crystallinity and thermal properties using, chemical analysis, FTIR, 13C CP/MAS NMR, SEM, XRD and TGA techniques.

Enhanced mechanical and thermal properties of poly (vinyl alcohol)/corn starch blends by nanoclay intercalation.

Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/corn starch blend films with enhanced properties were fabricated by melt processing and montmorillonite (MMT) reinforcing. It was revealed that strong hydrogen bonding occurred between the abundant OH groups of the matrix and polar SiOSi and OH groups of MMT. The highly exfoliated MMT nanolayers were randomly dispersed in the matrix containing MMT lower than 10wt%, whereas the intercalated structure was predominant with MMT content higher than 10wt%.

Cellulose nanocomposite films with in situ generated silver nanoparticles using Cassia alata leaf extract as a reducing agent.

Cotton linters were dissolved in aq. (8% LiOH+15% urea) that was pre-cooled to -12.5°C.

Preparation and characterization of regenerated cellulose films using borassus fruit fibers and an ionic liquid.

In this study, we successfully extracted cellulose from borassus fruit fibers by chemical process. The extracted cellulose was dissolved in an ionic liquid 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AmimCl). Using this solution, regenerated cellulose films were prepared with water as the non solvent.

Fabrication and properties of polyvinyl alcohol/starch blend films: Effect of composition and humidity.

In this work, starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) blend films with different compositions were prepared by melt processing. The effect of the composition and relative humidity (RH) on the structure and properties of the resulting blends were investigated. OH groups on starch and PVA formed hydrogen bonding interactions, which could improve the compatibility of the two components.

Preparation and properties of cellulose nanocomposite films with in situ generated copper nanoparticles using Terminalia catappa leaf extract.

In the present work, copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were in situ generated inside cellulose matrix using Terminalia catappa leaf extract as a reducing agent. During this process, some CuNPs were also formed outside the matrix. The CuNPs formed outside the matrix were observed with transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Properties of cellulose/Thespesia lampas short fibers bio-composite films.

Cellulose was dissolved in pre cooled environment friendly solvent (aq.7% sodium hydroxide+12% urea) and regenerated with 5%H2SO4 as coagulation bath. Using cellulose as matrix and alkali treated short natural fibers extracted from the newly identified Thespesia lampas plant as fillers the green composite films were prepared.

Preparation and properties of self-reinforced cellulose composite films from Agave microfibrils using an ionic liquid.

The applications of natural fibers and their microfibrils are increasing rapidly due to their environment benefits, specific strength properties and renewability. In the present work, we successfully extracted cellulose microfibrils from Agave natural fibers by chemical method. The extracted microfibrils were characterized by chemical analysis.

Structure and properties of poly (lactic acid)/Sterculia urens uniaxial fabric biocomposites.

Uniaxial cellulose fabric Sterculia urens reinforced poly (lactic acid) (PLA) matrix biocomposites were prepared by a two-roll mill. In order to assess the suitability of Sterculia fabric as reinforcement for PLA matrix, the PLA/Sterculia fabric biocomposites were prepared. Tensile parameters, such as maximum stress, Young's modulus and elongation-at-break, were determined using the Universal Testing Machine.