Journal of Membrane Science & Technology

Mechanical, thermal and swelling properties of cellulose nanocrystals/PVA nanocomposites membranes

International Conference on Membrane Science and Technology

September 11-12, 2017 | Paris, France

Zaib Jahan Muhammad Bilal Khan Niazi and Ã?yvind Weiby Gregersen

National University of Sciences and Technology, Pakistan
Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Membra Sci Technol

Abstract:

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) have strong reinforcing properties when incorporated in a compatible polymer matrix. The study was conducted to investigate the effect of addition of different proportions of CNC on the mechanical, thermal and swelling properties of poly(Vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite membranes for biogas separation. The incorporation of CNC in PVA increased the crystallinity at all investigated relative humidities. No apparent trend is observed for mechanical properties for dry membranes (0% RH) with addition of CNC in PVA matrix. However, at 93% RH the elastic modulus increased 25 times with addition of CNC compared to pure PVA membranes. Moreover, tensile strength also showed twice the values at 53% RH and 93% RH after the addition of CNC. Membranes containing higher CNC content absorbed 9% less moisture. Swelling, thermal and mechanical properties indicate a good potential of CNC/PVA nanocomposite membranes for use in CO2 separation membranes.