Fabrication of biocomposite membrane with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) extracted from sugarcane bagasse by phase inversion method

摘要

The design of biocomposite membranes based on microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) extracted from sugarcane bagasse added into matrices of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) was fabricated by the phase inversion method. The pore formation of biocomposite membranes was prepared by the phase inversion method, and the obtained biocomposite membranes showed a tunable microstructure formed in the membranes that was investigated by field-emission scanning electron microscope. Due to the high porosity and hydrophilic properties of MCC, the biocomposite membranes demonstrated excellent electrolyte wettability, large electrolyte uptake (up to 138%), and smaller interfacial resistance leading to enhancement of the ionic conductivity. Furthermore, the effects of MCC on the thermal properties of biocomposite membranes were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry and the thermal shrinkage test. The addition of 5 wt% MCC showed the outstanding thermal stability of the biocomposite membranes. After thermal treatment at 135 degrees C for 1 h, this biocomposite membrane exhibited shrinkage of only 32% from the original shape while the PLA/PBS membrane showed shrinkage of 81%, which verifies that the introduction of MCC improves the thermal stabilities of biocomposite membranes. Promisingly, the biocomposite membranes represent candidate alternatives for future battery applications.