Re-dispersible carrot nanofibers with high mechanical properties and reinforcing capacity for use in composite materials

The separation of nanofibers from carrot juice residue and their reinforcing potential is demonstrated. Morphological properties, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and specific surface area (SSA) measurements showed that carrot nanofibers (CNF) have maintained the crystalline structure of native cellulose, while presenting a SSA as high as 246 m2.g−1 and diameters between 3 and 36 nm. CNF could be redispersed in water after drying, giving nanofibers with SSA and diameter comparable to properties of initial never-dried CNF. Finally, we propose possible uses of CNF either as strong nanopaper with excellent mechanical properties, i.e. modulus of 13.3 GPa and strength of 175 MPa, or as reinforcing phase in polymer matrices (CAB). Interesting properties of carrot nanofibers in terms of their possible transport and use from the dry state, as well as their remarkable mechanical properties afforded to nanopaper and nanocomposites may promote their use in environmentally benign constituent in industrial applications.