Cellulose and xylan nanofiber mats via electrospinning: Lignin-enhanced properties in wood-inspired biocomposites

Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications, (2025) 100968

Nanofiber mats were fabricated by combining cellulose, xylan, and organosolv lignin. The biopolymers, and a small amount (15 wt. %) of polyethylene oxide, were dissolved in a mixture of trifluoroacetic acid and trifluoroacetic anhydride, then blended in various ratios (keeping cellulose as the main component and changing the proportions of lignin and hemicellulose) and processed via electrospinning. The resulting nanofiber mats were systematically characterized for their CIELAB color parameters, morphology, chemical composition, mechanical strength, thermal stability, hydrodynamic behavior, antioxidant capacity, and wettability. The incorporation of organosolv lignin significantly altered the color of the nanofiber mats, making them more brownish, with luminosity values from 90 for L-0 to 58 for L-50. It also disrupted the hydrogen bonding network, as evidenced by the chemical shift of the ATR-FTIR spectra. Additionally, organosolv lignin affected key mechanical properties with mechanical values similar to other polymer nanofibers, while thermogravimetric analysis revealed an enhancement of about 10 degrees C in the heat resistant index, thereby broadening the potential applications of the nanofiber mats. Finally, the presence of organosolv lignin improved antioxidant capacity to values of 100 % of RSA, reduced water uptake, and increased water contact angle to values of 110 degrees for L-50.

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