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

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…