Nano-particle modified cellulose films regenerated from ionic liquid solutions

Regenerated cellulose films containing different nano-particles were produced under the same processing condition using the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIMCl) as a solvent. Four ionic liquid solutions were prepared with 6 (wt%) wood cellulose and nano-particles of silver and zinc oxide (ZnO). Regenerated cellulose films were extruded with a dry-jet and wet-spun method. Water was used as a coagulation bath and a draw was applied during the extrusion. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the distribution of the nano-particles in the regenerated films. Film tensile strength was evaluated using a tensile tester. Wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) patterns were measured and analysed to calculate the degree of crystallinity and degree of orientation for those experimental films. A thermogravimetric analyser (TGA) was used to assess the improvement of flame retardant property of the regenerated films by the addition of nano silver and nano zinc oxide. The instrumental analysis results indicated that the performance of flame retardants, degrees of crystallinity and crystal orientation, and mechanical properties of the nanoparticle-enhanced cellulose films were improved.