Synthesis and Characterization of Biomaterial-based Fibers for Use in Clogging Study

Introduction
Biomaterials are a promising precursor in fiber synthesis due to their abundance and renewability.
Currently, fiber manufacturers mainly use petroleum and coal-derived precursors, like polyacetonitrile
(PAN), due to its strong mechanical properties.1 However, the manufacturing of PAN-based fibers is
detrimental to the environment and costly, while biomaterial-based fibers are both environmentally
friendly and cost effective. Substances like cellulose and chitin provide alternatives to PAN fibers as
they are the two most abundant polymers on Earth, coming from renewable sources, like plants, fungi,
and insects.2-3 Algin is another widely available biomaterial present in algal cells. Here, we will further
investigate the synthesis and characterization of cellulose, chitosan, and alginic acid-based fibers to
provide an alternative to the PAN-based methods of fiber production. The mechanical and thermal
properties of the fibers produced will be assessed via optical microscopy, tensile tests, and differential
scanning calorimetry (DSC). These fibers will be implemented in a clogging study to imitate human
hair. The probability of clogging will be determined in terms of aspect ratio, stiffness, and strength of the
fibers.

Research Aims
1. Synthesize biomaterial-based fibers. Plant-based materials such as cellulose and alginic acid,
as well as animal-based materials like chitosan, will be used to synthesize fibers as a replacement
for traditional PAN-based fibers.
a. Characterization of mechanical properties of fibers. The fibers will be characterized
based on their size, composition, thermal properties, and tensile strength.
b. Study clogging probability of various fibers. The probability will be examined in
relation to both the stiffness and the aspect ratio.

Experimental Plan
1. Synthesis of cellulose, chitosan, and alginic acid fibers. The fibers will be synthesized by first
creating a precursor by dissolving each of the above compounds in different solvents. Once the
compounds are fully dissolved, the precursors can be extruded through a needle into a coagulant
in order to form fibers.
2. Measurement of mechanical and thermal properties. The diameter of each synthesized fiber
will be determined using optical microscopy. The thermal properties of the fibers will be
measured using DSC. The tensile strength will be measured using a rheometer.
3. Clogging study. This test will assess how well the fibers move through the narrow passage. The
clogging study will be performed using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) clogging device. This
device will be made using soft lithography. This study will allow the probability of clogging to
be determined in terms of aspect ratio, stiffness, and strength of the fibers.

If these aims are accomplished, it will be better understood if biomaterials can be used as a viable
alternative to PAN-based carbon fibers, based on the thermal and mechanical properties as measured via
the characterization processes and clogging study.
References
1. Clive Liu, H., et al. “Processing, Structure, and Properties of Lignin- and CNTIncorporated
Polyacrylonitrile-Based Carbon Fibers.” ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering. 2015 3
(9), 1943-1954.
2. Chandler, David L., “3-D printing with cellulose: World’s most abundant polymer could rival
petroleum-based plastics as source of printing feedstock.” MIT News.
3. Tharanathan RN, Kittur FS. “Chitin--the undisputed biomolecule of great potential.” Crit Rev
Food Sci Nutr. 2003, 43 (1), 61-87.