Enhanced thermomechanical properties of poly(ethylene oxide) and functionalized bacterial cellulose nanowhiskers composite nanofibers

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/functionalized bacterial cellulose nanowhiskers (f-BCNW) (0.1 wt%) composite nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning process and the thermomechanical properties were significantly enhanced more than the PEO and PEO/bacterial cellulose nanowhiskers (BCNW) (0.1 wt%) composite nanofibers. The functionalization of BCNW (f-BCNW) was performed by microwave plasma treatment for effects of nitrogen functionalization of chemically-driven BCNW. The N-containing functional groups of f-BCNW enhanced chemical bonding between the hydroxyl groups of the polymer chains in the PEO matrix and diameter size of PEO/f-BCNW (0.1 wt%) composite nanofibers were decreased more than PEO and PEO/BCNW (0.1 wt%) composite nanofibers on the same concentration. The strong interfacial interactions between the f-BCNW nanofillers and polymer matrix were improved the thermomechanical properties such as crystallization temperature, weight loss and glass transition temperature (Tg) compared to PEO and PEO/BCNW composites nanofibers. The results demonstrated that N2 plasma treatment of BCNW is very useful in improving thermal stability for bio-applications.