Bionanocomposite regenerated cellulose/single-walled carbon nanotube films prepared using ionic liquid solvent

Electrically conductive regenerated cellulose/single-walled carbon nanotube (RC/CNT) bionanocomposite films were fabricated using an environmentally benign ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (EMIMCl). CNTs were well dispersed in EMIMCl by employing ultrasonication prior to solution casting. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Introduction of CNTs greatly improved the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the bionanocomposite films, without compromising their elongation at break. Homogeneous dispersion of CNTs was confirmed by FESEM and TEM micrographs. The bionanocomposites exhibited a rapid insulator to conductor transition at CNT content as low as 0.75 wt%. Incorporation of CNTs also enhanced the thermal stability, oxygen barrier properties, as well as water absorption resistance.