Review on cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as reinforced agent on electrospun nanofibers: Mechanical and thermal properties

Abstract

The growing ecological and environmental consciousness has driven efforts for development of new innovative products for various end-use applications. Nanotechnology plays an important role in the development of such products. Electrospun nanofibers which are produced from electrospinning technique are likely to be the next novel nanomaterials designated in the consumer products. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are nanoscale cellulose produced from renewable resources with strong reinforcing potential when included in a polymer matrix. Nanotechnology plays an important role in the development of such products. Electrospun nanofibers which are produced from electrospinning technique are likely to be the next novel nanomaterials designated in the consumer products. Electrospinning technique is the known prevalent technology for the manufacturing of nano-sized diameter fibers with the advanced functionalities. Various polymers have been successfully electrospun into ultrafine fibers in recent years mostly in solvent solution and some in melt. In this paper, a mini review is presented on the researches and developments related to electrospun polymer nanofibers.