Dual Light- and pH-Responsive Composite of Polyazo-Derivative Grafted Cellulose Nanocrystals

Xiaohong Liu, Ming Li, Xuemei Zheng, Elias Retulainen, Shiyu Fu (Corresponding Author)

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

    22 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    As a type of functional group, azo-derivatives are commonly used to synthesize responsive materials. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), prepared by acid hydrolysis of cotton, were dewatered and reacted with 2-bromoisobuturyl bromide to form a macro-initiator, which grafted 6-[4-(4-methoxyphenyl-azo) phenoxy] hexyl methacrylate (MMAZO) via atom transfer radical polymerization. The successful grafting was supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Solid magnetic resonance carbon spectrum (MAS 13C-NMR). The morphology and surface composition of the poly{6-[4-(4-methoxyphenylazo) phenoxy] hexyl methacrylate} (PMMAZO)-grafted CNCs were confirmed with Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The grafting rate on the macro-initiator of CNCs was over 870%, and the polydispersities of branched polymers were narrow. The crystal structure of CNCs did not change after grafting, as determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The polymer PMMAZO improved the thermal stability of cellulose nanocrystals, as shown by thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). Then the PMMAZO-grafted CNCs were mixed with polyurethane and casted to form a composite film. The film showed a significant light and pH response, which may be suitable for visual acid-alkali measurement and reversible optical storage.
    Original languageEnglish
    Article number1725
    Number of pages13
    JournalMaterials
    Volume11
    Issue number9
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 14 Sept 2018
    MoE publication typeNot Eligible

    Keywords

    • cellulose nanocrystals
    • azo-derivatives
    • atom transfer radical polymerization
    • light- and pH responsive

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