Effect of the addition of functionalized graphene nanoplatelets to cellulose nanofibrils
摘要
The development of sustainable, high-performance materials, such as cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), is key to advancing eco-friendly technologies. Integrating functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (FGNs) into CNFs can significantly enhance their mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. However, the effects of FGN content and reaction time on CNF-based composites remain underexplored. This study aims to assess the impact of adding FGNs at 10% and 40% by weight to CNFs, as well as the effect of reaction times (60 and 120 min), on the properties of the resulting nanocomposites through a 22 factorial design. The samples were characterized using FTIR, SEM, XRD, TG, and EC tests. The results showed that the incorporation of FGNs led to chemical interactions and improved adhesion within the nanocellulose matrix, as evidenced by FTIR and SEM. XRD patterns indicated the formation of nanocomposites with characteristic graphite peaks and a reduction in crystallinity of up to 35.26% as FGN content increased. Thermal analysis revealed that higher FGN amounts reduced the thermal stability of the samples by up to 43.82%, while EC tests showed that the resulting nanocomposites are semiconductors, with electrical conductivity ranging from 0.12 to 0.53 S m−1. These results highlight the potential of FGN-CNF nanocomposites for applications requiring specific thermal and electrical properties, such as bioelectronics and low-power sensors, paving the way for the development of sustainable, high-performance materials for eco-friendly electronic devices.