Novel membranes regenerated from blends of cellulose/gluten using ethylenediamine/potassium thiocyanate solvent system

Abstract

Current industrial methods for dissolution of cellulose in making regenerated cellulose products are relatively expensive, toxic and dangerous and have environmental problems coming with the hazard chemical wastes. To solve these problems, a novel ethylenediamine and potassium thiocyanate (ED/KSCN) solvent system was developed, that is economical, ecofriendly, and highly efficient. The ED/KSCN solvent system was proven to be a suitable solvent for fabricating cellulose (blended with other polymers) membranes. In this study, gluten was used to develop nonporous membranes with cellulose. The method of casting these membranes provided better ones than the former researchers’ techniques. These composite membranes’ physical and mechanical properties were studied by analysis of morphology, viscosity, crystallinity, thermal behaviors, tensile properties and water absorption of membranes. Results showed that membranes are nonporous, uniform, strong, flexible, ecofriendly and renewable. Mechanical and physical properties were influenced by the ratio of cellulose/gluten. By blending 40% gluten, the tensile strength of cellulose membrane dropped to 15.89 MPa from 35.11 MPa. However, its elongation at break increased from 35.3% to 57.02% accordingly. © 2019 Tech Science Press.