Cylindrical droplet on nanofibers: a step toward the clam-shell drop description

The existence and shape of a cylindrical (infinitely long) liquid drop on a fiber of arbitrary radius are examined using a microscopic approach based on the interaction potentials between the molecules of the system. A differential equation for the drop profile was derived by the variational minimization of the total potential energy by taking into account the structuring of the liquid near the fiber. This equation was solved by quadrature, and the existence conditions and the shape of the drop were examined as functions of the radius of the fiber, microscopic contact angle theta(0), which the actual drop profile makes with the fiber, and a certain parameter, a, which depends on the interaction potential parameters. Angle theta(0) is defined in the nanoscale range near the leading edge where the interactions between the liquid and solid are strong. It differs from the macroscopically measured wetting angle (theta(m)) that represents the extrapolation of the profile outside the range of liquid-solid interaction to the solid surface. Expressions for both theta(0) and theta(m) are established in the paper. For any given fiber radius, the range of drop existence involves two domains in the plane theta(0) - a, separated by a critical curve a = a(c)(theta(0)). In the first domain, below the curve a = a(c)(theta(0)), the drop always exists and can have any height, h(m). In the second domain, above the curve a = a(c)(theta(0)), there is an upper limit of h, h(m1), such that drops with h(m) > h(m1) cannot exist. The shape of the drop depends on whether the point (theta(0), a) on the theta(0) - a plane is far from the critical curve or near to it. In the first case, the drop profile has generally a circular shape, with the center of the circle not located on the fiber axis, whereas in the second case the shape is "quasi planar", that is, most of the drop profile lies on a circle concentric with the fiber profile. Comparing the potential energies of a cylindrical drop on a fiber and a film of uniform thickness covering the fiber and having the same volume as the drop, the energetically preferred configuration was determined for various conditions. Considering the cylindrical drop as a limiting case of a clam-shell one, and the film as a limiting case of a barrel drop, the obtained analytical results could be employed to examine the barrel-drop-clam-shell-drop transformation (roll-up transition).     

Cellulose nanofibers from white and naturally colored cotton fibers

Suspensions of white and colored nanofibers were obtained by the acid hydrolysis of white and naturally colored cotton fibers. Possible differences among them in morphology and other characteristics were investigated. The original fibers were subjected to chemical analysis (cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose content), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The nanofibers were analyzed with respect to yield, elemental composition (to assess the presence of sulfur), zeta potential, morphology (by scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM)) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), crystallinity (XRD) and thermal stability by thermogravimetric analysis in air under dynamic and isothermal temperature conditions. Morphological study of several cotton nanofibers showed a length of 85–225 nm and diameter of 6–18 nm. The micrographs also indicated that there were no significant morphological differences among the nanostructures from different cotton fibers. The main differences found were the slightly higher yield, sulfonation effectiveness and thermal stability under dynamic temperature conditions of the white nanofiber. On the other hand, in isothermal conditions at 180 °C, the colored nanofibers showed a better thermal stability than the white.     

Isolation and characterization of cellulose nanofibers from four plant cellulose fibers using a chemical-ultrasonic process

Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were isolated from four kinds of plant cellulose fibers by a chemical-ultrasonic treatment. The chemical composition, morphology, crystalline behavior, and thermal properties of the nanofibers and their intermediate products were characterized and compared. The CNFs extracted from wood, bamboo, and wheat straw fibers had uniform diameters of 10–40 nm, whereas the flax fibers were not uniformly nanofibrillated because of their initially high cellulose content. The chemical composition of each kind of nanofibers was mainly cellulose because hemicelluloses and lignin were significantly removed during chemical process. The crystallinity of the nanofibers increased as the chemical treatments were applied. The degradation temperature of each kind of nanofiber reached beyond 330 °C. Based on the properties of the CNFs, we expect that they will be suitable for use in green nanocomposites, filtration media and optically transparent films.     

Interactions between cellulose nanofibers and retention systems in flocculation of recycled fibers

Although the positive effect that cellulose nanofibers (CNF) can have on paper strength is known, their effect on flocculation during papermaking is not well understood, and most relevant studies have been carried out in presence of only cationic starch. Flocculation is the key to ensuring retention of fibers, fines, and fillers, and furthermore floc properties have a great influence on paper quality. The aim of this research is to study the interactions between CNF and flocculants by assessing the effect of two types of CNF, from eucalyptus and corn, on the flocculation process induced by three different retention systems [a dual system, polyvinylamine (PVA), and cationic starch as reference]. The results showed that CNF interacted with the flocculants in different ways, affecting flocculation efficiency and floc properties. In general, addition of CNF increased floc stability and minimized overdosing effects. Moreover, presence of CNF increased floc size for given PVA dose; therefore, CNF addition could contribute to improve the wet end in the paper machine if combined with the optimal flocculant and dose.     

Energy requirements for the disintegration of cellulose fibers into cellulose nanofibers

Cellulose nanofibers have a bright future ahead as components of nano-engineered materials, as they are an abundant, renewable and sustainable resource with outstanding mechanical properties. However, before considering real-world applications, an efficient and energetically friendly production process needs to be developed that overcomes the extensive energy consumption of shear-based existing processes. This paper analyses how the charge content influences the mechanical energy that is needed to disintegrate a cellulose fiber. The introduction of charge groups (carboxylate) is achieved through periodate oxidation followed by chlorite oxidation reactions, carried out to different extents. Modified samples are then subjected to different levels of controlled mechanical energy and the yields of three different fractions, separated by size, are obtained. The process produces highly functionalized cellulose nanofibers based almost exclusively on chemical reactions, thus avoiding the use of intensive mechanical energy in the process and consequently reducing drastically the energy consumption.     

Preparation of cellulose nanofibers and their improvement on ultradrawing properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene nanocomposite fibers

Novel ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/cellulose nanofiber (CNF) (F₁₀₀CNF_y) and UHMWPE/modified cellulose nanofiber (MCNF^x) (F₁₀₀MCNF^x_y) as‐prepared nanocomposite fibers were successfully prepared by gel‐spinning F₁₀₀CNF_y and F₁₀₀MCNF^x_y gel solutions, respectively. CNF nanofillers with a specific surface area at 120 m²/g and a nanofiber diameter of 20 nm were successfully prepared by proper acid hydrolysis of cotton fibers using sulfuric acid solution. MCNF^x nanofillers were prepared by grafting various contents of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE_g‐MAH) onto CNF nanofillers. The ultimate σ_f value of the best‐prepared F₁₀₀MCNF^x_y drawn fiber reached 4.5 GPa, which is about 67% higher than that of the UHMWPE drawn fiber prepared without the addition of any nanofiller. To understand the interesting ultradrawing, orientation, and tensile properties of F₁₀₀CNF_y and F₁₀₀MCNF^x_y fibers, Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscopic analyses of the CNF and MCNF^x nanofillers, and scanning electron microscopic analyses of profile surfaces of the etched drawn fibers were performed. This is the first work in this area of research wherein very small amounts of MCNF^x nanofillers prepared from cotton fibers were efficiently used as nucleating agents to enhance the ultradrawing and ultimate tensile properties of F₁₀₀MCNF^x_y fibers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Wetting of a drop on a sphere

In this work, the equilibrium morphology of a drop on a sphere is analyzed as a function of the contact angle and drop volume experimentally and with analytical effective interfacial energy calculations. Experimentally, a drop on a sphere geometry is realized in an oil bath by placing a water drop on a sphere coated with a dielectric, of which the radii of curvature are comparable with that of the drop. Electrowetting (EW) is used to change the contact angle of the water drop on the sphere. To validate the applicability of EW and the Lippman-Young equation on nonflat surfaces, we systematically investigate the response of the contact angle to the applied voltage (EW response) for various drop volumes and compared the results with the case of a planar surface. The effective interfacial energy of two competing morphologies, namely, the spherically symmetric "completely engulfing" and "partially engulfing" morphologies are calculated analytically. The analytical calculations are then compared to the experimental results to confirm which morphology is energetically more favored for a given contact angle and drop volume. Our findings indicate that the "partially engulfing" morphology is always the energetically more favorable morphology.     

Creation of surface defects on carbon nanofibers by steam treatment

A direct strategy for the creation of defects on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) has been developed by steam treatment.Nitrogen physisorption,XRD,Raman spectra,SEM and TEM analyses proved the existence of the new defects on CNFs.BET surface area of CNFs after steam treatment was enhanced from 20 to 378 m2/g.Pd catalysts supported on CNFs were also prepared by colloidal deposition method.The different activity of Pd/CNFs catalysts in the partial hydrogenation of phenylacetylene further demonstrated the diverse surfaces of CNFs could be formed by steam treatment.     

A simple method for the preparation of activated carbon fibers coated with graphite nanofibers

A simple method is described for the preparation of activated carbon fibers (ACFs) coated with graphite nanofibers (GNFs). Low-pressure-plasma mixed-gas (Ar/O2) treatment of the ACFs led to the growth of GNFs on their surface. The growth was greater at higher power inputs, and from TEM observations the GNFs were seen to be of herringbone type. It was found that the N2 adsorption capacity of the ACFs did not sharply decrease, and that volume resistivity of the ACFs enhanced as a result of this treatment.     

Bio-sensing on a chip with compact discs and nanofibers

This paper describes a novel, sensitive detection system for biomolecules (DNA and proteins etc.) that is integrated in a lab-on-a-chip utilizing optical compact discs (CDs) and bio-nanofibers. The new method comprises a microchannel containing CD grating that confines fragments of unique bacterial cellulose fibrils (BC), which have nanometre scale fibers and holes. A maximum of six times higher sensitivity to detect DNA was obtained with this CD and BC system compared to a conventional method. We also demonstrate an effective light-confining effect for biological application with the new method.     

Biochemical and physicochemical treatment of flax fibers

Conditions were found for separating concomitant substances from cellulose in short flax fibers by treatment with surfactant and enzyme solutions. The chemical composition of the treated fibers was analyzed, and their structural organization was studied by IR Fourier spectroscopy.Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Khimii, Vol. 77, No. 10, 2004, pp. 1743–1746.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2004 by Shamolina, Bochek, Zabivalova, Vlasova, Volchek, Sinitsin.     

Spreading of a suspension drop on a horizontal surface

Experimental studies were performed on the contact line motion of a suspension of PS particles on a glass surface. The base liquids were silicone oil and glycerin. The particle size was in the range of 1-6 μm and the particle loading was 0.5-5 vol %. The drop shape was determined by using a drop image and its reflection and the drop outline was traced to the subpixel level. The Tanner-Voinov-Hoffman relation was valid for suspensions as well as for pure liquids. Silicone oil suspensions showed almost no noticeable change compared with the pure fluid. Glycerin suspensions showed an increase in contact line speed at low particle loading. The difference was due to the microstructure change at the contact line region, and the microstructure change was originated from the wetting characteristics of particles. Particle alignment occurred during the spreading stage for partially wetting particles. The contact line showed a stop-and-go fashioned motion due to surface irregularities. This result can be used as the boundary condition at the contact line in the numerical simulation of suspension spreading.     

Structural changes of aromatic polyamide nanofibers upon annealing treatment

Aromatic polyamide nanofibers with trifluoromethyl groups prepared using a precipitation polymerization method were annealed at various temperatures. The X-ray diffraction patterns and infrared spectra of the annealed products depended strongly on the annealing temperature. There was a transition in the temperature region of 250–300°C, where the conformation and the mobility of molecular chains changed significantly. Furthermore, the intermolecular hydrogen bonding increased, resulting in a higher degree of crystallinity. However, the morphology was unchanged. Meanwhile, the molecular structure and degree of crystallinity depended on the reaction period. However, those obtained by the annealing treatments above 250°C were the same.     

Enhanced Conductivity and mechanical properties of polyimide based nanocomposite materials with carbon nanofibers via carbonization of electrospun polyimide fibers

Carbon nanofibers (CNF) have been obtained by the thermal treatment of the electrospun polyimide fibers in our present work. The carbon structure and surface morphology of the as-received CNFs were investigated using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Investigations of the nanocomposite materials fabricated using these CNFs as conductive fillers and polyimide as matrix show that the presence of CNFs can improve both the mechanical and electrical properties of the material. The conductivity of the nanocomposite films increases with increases in the CNF content and a percolation threshold of about 6.3 vol % (0.0785 in weight fraction) is calculated according to percolation theory.     

Surfactant-assisted spreading of a liquid drop on a smooth solid surface

Axisymmetric spreading of a liquid drop covered with an insoluble surfactant monolayer on a smooth solid substrate is numerically investigated. As the drop spreads, the adsorbed surfactant molecules are constantly redistributed along the air-liquid interface by convection and diffusion, leading to nonuniformities in surface tension along the interface. The resulting Marangoni stresses affect the spreading rate by altering the surface flow and the drop shape. In addition, surfactant accumulation in the vicinity of the moving contact line affects the spreading rate by altering the balance of line forces. Two different models for the constitutive relation at the moving contact line are used, in conjunction with a surface equation of state based on the Frumkin adsorption framework, to probe the surfactant influence. The coupled evolution equations for the drop shape and monolayer concentration profile are integrated using a pseudospectral method to determine the rate of surfactant-assisted spreading over a wide range of the dimensionless parameters governing the spreading process. The insoluble monolayer enhances spreading through two mechanisms; a reduction in the equilibrium contact angle, and an increase in the magnitude of the radial pressure gradient within the drop due to the formation of positive surface curvature near the moving contact line. Both mechanisms are driven by the accumulation of surfactant at the contact line due to surface convection. Although the Marangoni stresses induced at the air-liquid interface reduce the rate of spreading during the initial stages of spreading, their retarding effect is overwhelmed by the favorable effects of the aforementioned mechanisms to lead to an overall enhancement in the rate of spreading in most cases. The spreading rate is found to be higher for bulkier surfactants with stronger repulsive interactions. With the exception of monolayers with strong cohesive interactions which tend to retard the spreading process, the overall effect of an insoluble monolayer is to increase the rate of drop spreading. Simulation results for small Bond numbers indicate the existence of a power-law region for the time-dependence of the basal radius of the drop, consistent with experimental measurements.     

Degradation of viscose fibers during acidic treatment

Novel developments in the fiber sector require additional investigation of their behaviour during the production process. In the core step of the viscose process, cellulose fibres are regenerated in an acidic spinning bath. To investigate the influence of hemicellulose content and temperature on the kinetics of fiber degradation, standard and hemicellose-enriched fibers were treated in the acidic standard spinning bath for time periods up to 292 h. Viscose samples of different hemicellulose content were prepared under standardized conditions and the never dried fibres were subjected to long term degradation in the standard spinning bath at 40, 50 and 60 °C. The changes in the degree of polymerization (DP), molar mass distribution, hemicellulose and the generation of the total organic carbon in the spinning bath were monitored. Further, the changes in crystallinity and the level-off-DP of the fibers were determined to improve the accuracy of the existing degradation model. Changes in morphology of the fibers were monitored by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.     

Effects of ultra-high temperature treatment on the microstructure of carbon fibers

The microcrystalline structure and microvoid structure in carbon fibers during graphitization process(2300-2700 °C) were characterized employing laser micro-Raman scattering(Raman), X-ray diffraction(XRD), small angle X-ray scattering(SAXS), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy(HR-TEM). The crystalline sizes(L_a, L_c) increased and interlayer spacing(d_(002)) decreased with increasing heat treatment temperature(HTT). The microvoids in the fibers grew up and contacted to the neighbors with the development of microcrystalline. In addition, the preferred orientation of graphite crystallite along fiber axis decreased and microvoids increased. The results are crucial for analyzing the evolution of microstructure of carbon fibers in the process of heat treatment and important for the preparation of high strength and high modulus carbon fibers.