Bio-battery electrolytes membranes are currently being researched in both the technological and medical fields due to their environmentally friendly alternative to already existing commercial products, as well as their biocompatibility. This natural-based electrolyte membrane activated by organic compounds are of interest for use in the human body as implants. Cellulose and <i>Bombyx Mori Silk, </i>when regenerated together, create a biocomposite which could be used for this purpose. Ionic liquids are used to dissolve the biopolymers, and coagulation agents are employed to regenerate the materials. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Scattering, Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) are used to characterize the morphological, thermal and mechanical properties of the biocomposite films. The purpose of this study is to determine how the morphology, conductivity and elasticity of these biocomposites changed with ionic liquid type, coagulation agent, and percent ratios of materials. The results showed significant changes in the morphology as well as changes in the biocomposite conductivity, thermal and mechanical properties as a function of function of coagulation agent.

The relationship between morphology, conductivity and elasticity of silk and cellulose biocomposites fabricated from ionic liquids

2019 Spring National Meeting

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