New insights on solvent implications in the design of materials based on cellulose derivatives using experimental and theoretical approaches

Abstract

The current paper presents a strategic way to design and develop materials with properties adapted for various applications from biomedicine to environmental applications. In this context, blends of (hydroxypropyl)methyl cellulose (HPMC) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) were obtained to create new materials that can modulate the membrane properties in various fields. Thus, to explore the possibility of using the HPMC/PVP system in practical applications, the solubility parameters in various solvents were initially evaluated using experimental and theoretical approaches. In this frame, the study is aimed at presenting the background and steps of preliminary studies to validate the blends behavior for targeted application before being designed. Subsequently, the analysis of the behavior in aqueous dilute solution of HPMC/PVP blend offers information about the conformational modifications and interactions manifested in system depending on the structural characteristics of polymers (hydrophilicity, flexibility), polymer mixtures composition, and used solvent. Given this background, based on experimental and theoretical studies, knowledge of hydrodynamic parameters and analysis of the optimal compositions of polymer mixtures are essential for establishing the behavior of obtained materials and validation for most suitable applications. Additionally, to guarantee the quality and functionality of these composite materials in the targeted applications, e.g., biomedical or environmental, the choice of a suitable solvent played an important role.