Regenerated bacterial cellulose/multi-walled carbon nanotubes composite fibers prepared by wet-spinning

Regenerated bacterial cellulose (BC) and regenerated bacterial cellulose/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (BC/MWCNTs) composite fibers were prepared by wet-spinning of a regenerated BC and BC/MWCNTs solution dissolved in dimethylacetamide/lithium chloride, and coagulated with ethanol. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed smooth continuous fibers with well-dispersed MWCNTs. The chemical structure of the specimens was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results obtained by using a universal testing machine indicated that the mechanical properties of the fibers were enhanced considerably by reinforcement with MWCNTs. There was an approximate 430% increase in the modulus of the regenerated BC/MWCNTs composite fibers, compared with the original pristine BC. Moreover, the electrical conductivity of the regenerated BC/MWCNTs (1.0 wt%) composite fibers was 1.7 × 10−10 S/cm.