A robust, high-temperature-resistant, protective cellulose gel enabled by multiscale structural engineering

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2024-10, Vol.277 (Pt 4), p.134520, Article 134520
• Main Authors: Zhang, Shaoyu, Long, Qian, Jiang, Geyuan, Li, Xin, Zhou, Jianhong, Shao, Lupeng, Zeng, Suqing, Zhao, Dawei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cellulose; Impact resistance; Multiscale design; Protective gel; Smart device
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134520

Given the escalating environmental and safety concerns, friendly protective materials with exceptional mechanical properties, biodegradability, and insensitivity to high temperature have received more and more attention. Here, we report a robust cellulosic gel through the multi-scale integration of cellulose molecular skeleton, nano-reinforced diatomite, and in situ polymerized polyacrylamide molecule. The bottom-up yet cross-scale approach facilitates the formation of cellulosic gel characterized by a highly interconnected hydrogen bond network and nano-enhanced domain, resulting in a tensile strength of up to 13.83 MPa, a Young's modulus exceeding 280 MPa, and an impact strength around 12.38 KJ m−1. Furthermore, this gel exhibits structural stability at temperatures up to 130 °C, good flame retardancy, and complete biodegradability within a span of 35 days. The robust cellulosic gel, acting as a pliable protector, demonstrates exceptional protection for human joints. Our study presents a highly efficient and scalable pathway towards the development of sustainable and robust biomass gels, holding immense potential in intelligent-protective wearables and advanced materials science and engineering. A green and robust cellulosic gel is fabricated by multiscale integration of cellulose molecule, nano-diatomite, and polyacrylamide molecule. The cellulosic gels exhibit excellent mechanical properties, high temperature resistance, biodegradability and exceptional abrasion resistance, showing excellent potential in sustainable intelligent protection. [Display omitted]