Functional electrospun polylactic acid core-shell thermochromic fibers with modified cellulose nanocrystals for enhanced temperature-responsive applications

• Published in: Industrial crops and products 2024-12, Vol.222, p.119594, Article 119594
• Main Authors: Shayan, Mohammad, Koo, Meen Sung, Abouzeid, Ragab, She, Yanan, Gwon, Jaegyoung, Wu, Qinglin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: bisphenol A; cellulose; Cellulose nanocrystals; Coaxial electrospinning; Core-shell fibers; gentian violet; glass transition temperature; nanocrystals; nanofibers; polylactic acid; tensile strength; thermal stability; Thermochromic
• ISSN: 0926-6690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2024.119594

Core-shell electrospun fibers with thermochromic materials are suitable for temperature sensing due to their customizable properties. However, the beneficial effect of bio-based thermochromic fibers incorporating sustainable nanomaterials needs to be further demonstrated, especially regarding their thermal stability and mechanical properties. In this study, core-shell structured nanofibers were produced through a co-axial electrospinning process using polylactic acid (PLA) and surface-modified cellulose nanocrystals (mCNCs) as the shell, and crystal violet lactone (CVL), bisphenol A, and 1-dodecanol as the core. Chemical characterization confirmed the successful grafting of vinyl siloxane within mCNCs, enhancing CNC dispersion in the PLA matrix. The thermochromic fibers exhibited smooth, uniform surfaces, with minimal impact of mCNCs on the glass transition temperature (Tg). Compared with neat electrospun PLA fibers, mCNC-added fibers showed improved thermal stability. Although the core material negatively affected mechanical properties, mCNCs enhanced tensile strength and Young’s modulus. The fibers demonstrated rapid and sensitive responses to temperature changes from 0 to 20 ˚C, indicating their potential as effective temperature sensors with improved properties. [Display omitted] •Thermochromic core-shell fibers were fabricated using coaxial electrospinning.•Silane groups were successfully grafted on the surface of CNCs.•Modified CNCs improved thermal and mechanical properties of thermochromic mats.•Thermochromic fibers showed discernable and rapid color change from 0 to 20˚C.