Bacterial cellulose network from kombucha fermentation impregnated with emulsion-polymerized poly(methyl methacrylate) to form nanocomposite

The use of bio-based residues is one of the key indicators towards sustainable development goals. In this work, bacterial cellulose, a residue from the fermentation of kombucha tea, was tested as a reinforcing nanofiber network in an emulsion-polymerized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix. The...

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Autores: Oliver Ortega, Helena|||0000-0002-9398-8112, Geng, Shiyu, Espinach, Francesc Xavier, Oksman, Kristiina, Vilaseca, Fabiola
Formato: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2021
País:España
Recursos:Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
Repositorio:UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/388254
Acesso em linha:https://hdl.handle.net/2117/388254
https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym13040664
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palavra-chave:Nanocomposites (Materials)
Sustainable development
Bacterial cellulose
Kombucha fermentation
PMMA
Emulsion polymerization
Mechanical composites
Nanocomposites
Nanocompòsits (Materials)
Desenvolupament sostenible
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Enginyeria dels materials
Descrição
Resumo:The use of bio-based residues is one of the key indicators towards sustainable development goals. In this work, bacterial cellulose, a residue from the fermentation of kombucha tea, was tested as a reinforcing nanofiber network in an emulsion-polymerized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix. The use of the nanofiber network is facilitating the formation of nanocomposites with well-dispersed nanofibers without using organic solvents or expensive methodologies. Moreover, the bacterial cellulose network structure can serve as a template for the emulsion polymerization of PMMA. The morphology, size, crystallinity, water uptake, and mechanical properties of the kombucha bacterial cellulose (KBC) network were studied. The results showed that KBC nanofibril diameters were ranging between 20–40 nm and the KBC was highly crystalline, >90%. The 3D network was lightweight and porous material, having a density of only 0.014 g/cm3. Furthermore, the compressed KBC network had very good mechanical properties, the E-modulus was 8 GPa, and the tensile strength was 172 MPa. The prepared nanocomposites with a KBC concentration of 8 wt.% were translucent with uniform structure confirmed with scanning electron microscopy study, and furthermore, the KBC network was homogeneously impregnated with the PMMA matrix. The mechanical testing of the nanocomposite showed high stiffness compared to the neat PMMA. A simple simulation of the tensile strength was used to understand the limited strain and strength given by the bacterial cellulose network. The excellent properties of the final material demonstrate the capability of a residue of kombucha fermentation as an excellent nanofiber template for use in polymer nanocomposites.