Solution blow spinning (SBS)-assisted synthesis of well-defined carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) nanowhiskers

Abstract

In this study, synthesis of well-defined carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) nanowhiskers through a low-pressure solution blow spinning is achieved for the first time. A mixture of methanol, water, and CMC was sprayed through a locally available spray gun at 4 bars, and the collected sample was dried for two hours at 80 °C. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy characterized the samples. The results showed the successful production of many, uniform and well-defined nanowhiskers. The possible series of mechanisms is also discussed. The primary objective of this study is to give insights of a simple and straightforward method that has potential to mass-produce high-quality nanowhiskers in a quick, cheap, and practical manner.