Regenerated cellulose/multiwalled carbon nanotube composite films with enhanced mechanical properties prepared in NaOH/urea aqueous solution

Abstract

Regenerated cellulose (RC)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) composite films have been successfully prepared in NaOH/urea aqueous solution by coagulation with H₂SO₄ solution. The structure and properties of the RC/MWCNTs composite films are investigated by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and tensile testing. The results reveal that the MWCNTs disperse well in the cellulose matrix when the content of the MWCNTs is less than 1wt%. MWCNTs in the cellulose matrix maintain the original nanocrystalline structure and properties, weaken the hydrogen-bond formed between the cellulose, decrease the crystallinity of the composite films, but do not apparently reduce the thermal stability of the composite films. Compared to regenerated cellulose films, the mechanical properties of the composite films have been improved to some extent. The tensile strength of the composite films is bound to be 108 MPa, when the amount of MWCNTs is just 0.2wt %.