2019 Research in the Capitol

Presentation Type

Open Access Poster Presentation

Keywords

Cellulose; Aerogels; Sonication;

Abstract

Nanocellulose is a renewable and biocompatible material that has a tensile strength similar to aluminum, is stiffer than Kevlar, and has a strength to weight ratio eight times that of stainless steel. There has been a range of studies on nanocellulose materials for potential use as a low-calorie food substitute, biomedical wound dressings, and as a structural component for buildings. Throughout this research experiment, nanocellulose aerogels of different mass compositions were created through a mechanical process using an ultrasonic processor with a titanium probe attachment. The purpose of this study was to develop a method that reduces the amount titanium contamination in the nanocellulose aerogels by influencing the sonication parameters. As a result, the ultrasonication processing time of nanocellulose aerogels was drastically reduced consequently reducing potential contamination from the titanium probe.

Start Date

1-4-2019 11:00 AM

End Date

1-4-2019 2:30 PM

Event Host

University Honors Programs, Iowa Regent Universities

Faculty Advisor

Tim Kidd

Department

Department of Physics

File Format

application/pdf

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Apr 1st, 11:00 AM Apr 1st, 2:30 PM

Influence of Sonication Parameters on the Morphology of Nanocellulose Aerogels

Nanocellulose is a renewable and biocompatible material that has a tensile strength similar to aluminum, is stiffer than Kevlar, and has a strength to weight ratio eight times that of stainless steel. There has been a range of studies on nanocellulose materials for potential use as a low-calorie food substitute, biomedical wound dressings, and as a structural component for buildings. Throughout this research experiment, nanocellulose aerogels of different mass compositions were created through a mechanical process using an ultrasonic processor with a titanium probe attachment. The purpose of this study was to develop a method that reduces the amount titanium contamination in the nanocellulose aerogels by influencing the sonication parameters. As a result, the ultrasonication processing time of nanocellulose aerogels was drastically reduced consequently reducing potential contamination from the titanium probe.