Simultaneous enhancement of elasticity and strength of Al2O3-based ceramics body from cellulose nanocrystals via gel-casting process

A green gel-casting method was developed by the combination of rod-like cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and low toxicity monomer N, N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAA), which was proved to be a promising substitute of traditional neurotoxin monomer acrylamide (AM). The hydrophilic nature and homogeneous dispersion of CNC in aqueous suspension ensured the essential compatibility with the hydrosoluble polymerization system, and therefore provided remarkable mechanical enhancement of green body. The bending strength of the green body was highly increased by 68% with the introduction of 0.9 wt‰ CNC. Meanwhile, the fabricated green body exhibited significant improvement in flexibility and elasticity, with the unique bendable and recovery performances after drying treatment at room temperature for 1 h. The computer stimulation by the COMSOL Multiphysics confirmed the special mechanical enhancement effect induced by the presence of highly-crystalline and rigid CNC.