It is reported that domestically developed natural nano-cellulose high-performance structural materials. This new type of natural nano-fiber bionic structural materials integrates excellent properties such as light weight, high strength, high dimensional stability, thermal shock resistance, impact resistance, and high damage tolerance. Its density is only one-sixth that of steel, and its specific strength and specific toughness are both higher than traditional alloy materials, ceramics and engineering plastics. Studies have shown that its superior properties are mainly derived from the material‘s micron-level layered structure and nano-dimensional network structure design. This new type of natural nano-cellulose high-performance structural material is expected to replace the existing engineering plastics and has a wide range of application prospects.

Figure 1 Nano cellulose

Nanofiber refers to a linear material with a certain aspect ratio with a nanometer diameter and a large length. In addition, fibers modified by filling ordinary fibers with nanoparticles are also called nanofibers. At present, nanofibers can be simply divided into three categories, cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibers or microcrystalline cellulose, bacterial nanocellulose and so on. At present, due to the advantages of wide sources, degradability, and pollution-free nanocellulose, it has attracted the attention of many researchers.

In terms of bulletproof equipment, a South Korean company has developed a carbon nanotube cellulose using carbon nanotube dispersion technology. This material is stronger than steel and has the softness of cloth. It will be widely used in military bulletproof equipment in the future.

In terms of elastic materials, some scientists have used the dip coating method to create a super amphiphilic polyurethane sponge through the synergistic effect of nanocellulose and graphene. This kind of sponge can quickly absorb water and oil in a short period of time, providing a reference for preparing porous elastic materials and composite materials with special wettability, and is expected to be applied in the field of intelligent polymer composite materials.

In the medical field, due to the good biocompatibility of nanocellulose, it has a good performance in wound antibacterial dressings and artificial grafts. Researchers have made artificial ears that can be used for transplantation based on the characteristics of nanocellulose hydrogels. This kind of artificial ear can rebuild the auricle for children with congenital auricular deformity, so that the deformed ear can be remedied without affecting hearing.
 

Figure 2 Artificial ear transplantation

In terms of papermaking, Spanish scientific research experts conducted related experiments using lignocellulose and showed that after adding nanocellulose, paper can still be written after seven times of recycling. In contrast, ordinary recycled paper is not suitable for writing after three times of recycling. . This means that the improvement of nanofiber production technology to traditional paper recycling technology can reduce energy consumption, not only to improve product quality, but also to reuse resources.

In the field of energy storage, researchers have prepared a porous structure that facilitates the transport of ions and electrons through the excellent flexibility and mechanical properties of nanocellulose. The porous structure is combined with photoelectric materials such as inorganic nanoparticles, metal ions and their oxides, carbon materials, conductive polymers, etc. through gelation to form a multifunctional composite material with conductive and energy storage effects.
 

Figure 3 Application in the field of energy storage

Taken from nature, nanocellulose is an environmentally friendly, green and extremely rich renewable resource. The application of nanotechnology to cellulose opens a new door for the preparation of new materials in the field of science and technology. In the future, I believe that through the continued research of scientists, nanofibers will bring new developments to our lives while exerting more important functions.
This information is sourced from the Internet for academic exchange only. If there is any infringement, please contact us to delete it immediately.