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Rapid Determination of the Distribution of Cellulose Nanomaterial Aggregates in Composites Enabled by Multi-Channel Spectral Confocal Microscopy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 May 2019

Marcus A. Johns ,
Anna E. Lewandowska  and
Stephen J. Eichhorn Open the ORCID record for Stephen J. Eichhorn [Opens in a new window]
Marcus A. Johns
Affiliation:
Department of Aerospace Engineering, Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS), University of Bristol, Queens Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TR, UK
Anna E. Lewandowska
Affiliation:
Department of Aerospace Engineering, Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS), University of Bristol, Queens Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TR, UK
Stephen J. Eichhorn*
Affiliation:
Department of Aerospace Engineering, Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS), University of Bristol, Queens Building, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TR, UK
*
*Author for correspondence: Stephen J. Eichhorn, E-mail: s.j.eichhorn@bristol.ac.uk
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Abstract

There is increased interest in the use of cellulose nanomaterials for the mechanical reinforcement of composites due to their high stiffness and strength. However, challenges remain in accurately determining their distribution within composite microstructures. We report the use of a range of techniques used to image aggregates of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) greater than 10 µm2 within a model thermoplastic polymer. While Raman imaging accurately determines CNC aggregate size, it requires extended periods of analysis and the limited observable area results in poor reproducibility. In contrast, staining the CNCs with a fluorophore enables rapid acquisition with high reproducibility, but overestimates the aggregate size as CNC content increases. Multi-channel spectral confocal laser scanning microscopy is presented as an alternative technique that combines the accuracy of Raman imaging with the speed and reproducibility of conventional confocal laser scanning microscopy, enabling the rapid determination of CNC aggregate distribution within composites.

Keywords

cellulosecompositesconfocal microscopyconfocal Raman spectroscopynanomaterialsspectral imaging
Type
Materials Applications
Information
Microscopy and Microanalysis , Volume 25 , Issue 3 , June 2019 , pp. 682 - 689
Copyright
Copyright © Microscopy Society of America 2019 

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