The effects of morpholine pre-treated and carboxymethylated cellulose nanofibrils on the properties of alginate-based hydrogels

The effects of varying percentage loadings of morpholine pre-treated cellulose nanofibrils (MCNF) and carboxymethylated cellulose nanofibrils (CMCNF) on the aqueous swelling, compressive modulus and viscoelastic properties of calcium-ion-crosslinked alginate hydrogels were investigated. In addition, the pore structures of hydrogels with the highest compressive modulus were studied. The incorporation of 5 wt. % MCNF resulted in a slightly reduced aqueous swelling, a 36% increase in compressive modulus and a layered pore structure when compared with the neat alginate hydrogel. On the other hand, the addition of CMCNF at the same loading led to a slightly improved aqueous swelling, an increase in compressive modulus (17%) and high porosity. Further increases in CNF loadings did not result in significant increase in material properties. The alginate/CNF composite materials have potentials to be used in applications where good swelling and mechanical robustness are required.