Electrospun nanofibers and/or mats reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are becoming one of the most promising research areas in CNC-filled polymer nanocomposites. The present study is concerned with utilizing CNCs to act simultaneously as reinforcing agents and cross-linkers for hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) hydrogel fibers. The effect of electrospinning parameters (i.e., concentration, solvent, CNC loading level) on morphology and diameter of electrospun HPAM fibers were systematically investigated. The crosslinking reaction was performed by heat treatment. The swelling properties of hydrogel fibers and its application in the removal of methylene blue dye were evaluated. Fiber morphologies without beaded, branched and ribbon srtuctures could be achieved by adjusting solution concentration, using a solvent mixture, and incorporating CNCs. The heat-induced esterification between HPAM and CNCs causes nanocomposite fibers to be insoluble in water. The nanocomposite hydrogel fibers with high surface area showed a rapid response in removing methylene blue from aqueous solution.

Fabrication and application of cellulose nanocrystals incorporated electrospun hydrolyzed polyacrylamide nanofibers

245th National Meeting (2013)

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