Electrospun PVA nanofibers reinforced with cotton-derived cellulose nanocrystals: a sustainable route to high-performance nanocomposites

Abstract

This study presents a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable process for producing cellulose- based polymer nanofilaments. The method incorporates cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), derived from cotton via sulfuric acid hydrolysis, into a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix using electrospinning. CNC extraction included centrifugation, dialysis, and sonication. Electrospinning was optimized using a 7% (w/v) PVA solution with 5 wt% and 20 wt% CNC concentrations, under 20 kV voltage, 0.5 mL/h flow rate, and a 15 cm tip-to-collector distance. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed the formation of uniform, bead-free nanofibers with an average diameter of less than 200nm. Increasing CNC content resulted in smaller fiber diameters. FTIR spectroscopy revealed hydrogen bonding between PVA and CNCs, confirming molecular interactions. This eco-friendly process has significant potential in filtration, biomedical applications, and composite materials.