Nature-Inspired Green Procedure for Improving Performance of Protein-Based Nanocomposites via Introduction of Nanofibrillated Cellulose-Stablized Graphene/Carbon Nanotubes Hybrid

Abstract

Soy protein isolate (SPI) provides a potential alternative biopolymer source to fossil fuels, but improving the mechanical properties and water resistance of SPI composites remains a huge challenge. Inspired by the synergistic effect of natural nacre, we developed a novel approach to fabricate high-performance SPI nanocomposite films based on 2D graphene (G) nanosheets and 1D carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) using a casting method. The introduction of web-like NFC promoted the uniform dispersion of graphene/CNTs in the biopolymer matrix, as well as a high extent of cross-linkage combination between the fillers and SPI matrix. The laminated and cross-linked structures of the different nanocomposite films were observed by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) images. Due to the synergistic interactions of π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding between the nanofillers and SPI chains, the tensile strength of SPI/G/CNT/NFC film significantly increased by 78.9% and the water vapor permeability decreased by 31.76% in comparison to neat SPI film. In addition, the ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) light barrier performance, thermal stability, and hydrophobicity of the films were significantly improved as well. This bioinspired synergistic reinforcing strategy opens a new path for constructing high-performance nanocomposites.

The preparation of carbon nanofillers and their role on the performance of variable polymer nanocomposites

“…Moreover, the NFC allows the high extent of cross-linkage combination between the fillers and SPI matrix. As result of introducing nanocomposites the tensile strength of SPI/G/CNT/NFC film considerably increased from 31.76% in neat SPI film to 78.9% also, the water vapor permeability decreased after introduction of G/CNT/NFC to SPI [229].…”

“…A very promising potential biopolymer source to fossil fuels is soy protein isolate (SPI). Recently, Jin et al reported a new synergistic reinforcing motif that might open a new pathway for constructing high-performance nanocomposites [229]. The route to assemble the high-performance SPI nanocomposite films reinforced by CNT and graphene nanosheets and nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) by thecasting method.…”

A mussel‐inspired strategy toward antimicrobial and bacterially anti‐adhesive soy protein surface

“…The catechol of dopamine can be oxidized into the corresponding 5,6‐indolequinone. Then, the quinone and NH/OH groups on the formed PDA layer were able to interact with the nucleophilic amine groups of SPI chains via Schiff base or Michael addition under alkaline condition . It can be seen that the AgNPs deposited substrate exhibited a rougher surface morphology, where a lot of AgNPs can be clearly observed on the S‐DA‐Ag film surface.…”

A Nanofibrillated Cellulose-Based Electrothermal Aerogel Constructed with Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene

“…Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) is a kind of nanocellulose, and generally used as a dispersant and binder [ 33 , 34 ]. It is also a biodegradable, renewable, easily available, and environmentally-friendly natural polymer [ 35 , 36 ].…”