About Book

Nanofibers have emerged as important fibrous materials for reinforcing or modifying polymer matrices. Nanofibers have attracted a great deal of attention due to their remarkable properties. Compared to conventional fibrous structures, nanofibers are lightweight with small diameters, controllable pore structures and high surface-to-volume ratio, making them ideal for use in applications as varied as filtration, sensors, protective clothing, tissue engineering, functional materials and energy storage. However, the development of new composite nanofibers holds even greater potential and investigation of new polymer composite nanofibers aimed at further developing their multifunctional possibilities and enhancing both their physical and chemical properties has gained extensive interest. This book provides comprehensive insights into the field of nanofibers. It discusses in detail various topics like industrial production technology, chitin nanofibers, electroactive electrospun nanofibers, carbon nanofibers, environmental impacts, heterostructure, cellulose nanofibers, crystalline nanofibers, cyclodextrin-based nanofibers and deposition of helical carbon. This book attempts to understand the multiple branches that fall under this discipline and how such concepts have practical applications. Such selected concepts that redefine this area have been presented in the book. It is meant for students who are looking for an elaborate reference on nanofibers.

Preface............................................................................................................v

Chapter 1 Chemical Vapor Deposition of Helical Carbon Nanofibers.............1

Abstract ..................................................................................................1

1. Introduction............................................................................................1

2. Growth method.....................................................................................4

3. Recent improvement on CNC growth technique...........................6

4. Summary...............................................................................................17

Acknowledgements.............................................................................17

Chapter 2 Cyclodextrin-Based Nanofibers and Membranes: Fabrication, Properties and Applications...................................................................23

Abstract ................................................................................................23

1. Introduction..........................................................................................24

2. Fabrication methods of nanofibers..................................................27

3. Cyclodextrins in membrane technology.........................................39

4. Other applications of CD-based materials.....................................43

5. Mechanism for the interaction of CD nanofibers/membranes with

various species.....................................................................................44

6. Characterization tools for CD materials.........................................47

7. Toxicology and safety of CDs and their derivatives...................50

8. Challenges and perspectives.............................................................51

9. Conclusion............................................................................................51

Acknowledgements.............................................................................52

Chapter 3 Control of Hierarchical Structure of Crystalline Nanofibers Based

on the Cooperative Phenomena of Functional Molecular Group as

the Target of Expression of New Physical Properties: Creation of

Molecular Conductors and Enhancement of Thixotropic Ability....

64

Abstract.................................................................................................64

1. Morphological transition of a conductive molecular organization

with non-covalent from nanonetwork to nanofiber.....................65

2. Morphological control of crystalline na-nofiber derived from

amphiphilic diami-de derivative which induces the thixotropic

ability.....................................................................................................81

Acknowledgements.............................................................................97

Chapter 4 Chitin Nanofibers, Preparations and Applications.........................104

1. Introduction........................................................................................104

2. Preparation of CNFs from crab and prawn shells, and

mushrooms.........................................................................................106

3. CNFs nanocomposites......................................................................117

4. Preventive effect of CNF on dextran sulfate sodium

(DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC)...........................................120

5. Conclusion..........................................................................................121

Chapter 5 Cellulose Nanofibers and Its Applications for Resin

Reinforcements........................................................................................124

1. Introduction........................................................................................124

2. Fabricating cellulose nanofibers through ultrahigh pressure

(245 MPa) counter collision treatments........................................126

3. Usage of pulverized cellulosics prepared by ultra high-pressure

water jet treatment in polymer nanocomposites........................135

4. Usage of pulverized cellulosics prepared by ultra high-pressure

water jet treatment in development of separator sheets equipped

within the lithium ion battery (A feasibility study)..................143

5. Conclusions........................................................................................150

Chapter 6 Au/TiO2 Hierarchical Nanofibers Heterostructure: Controllable

Synthesis and Enhanced Photocatalytic Performances..................153

1. Introduction........................................................................................153

2. Experimental......................................................................................154

3. Results and discussion.....................................................................156

4. Conclusions........................................................................................162

Chapter 7 Carbon Nanofibers: Evaluation of Life Cycle Environmental

Impacts.......................................................................................................166

1. Introduction........................................................................................166

2. Carbon nanofibers.............................................................................172

3. Carbon nanofiber polymer composites........................................177

4. Toxicological impact of CNFs........................................................182

5. Summary.............................................................................................184

Chapter 8 Carbon Nanofibers Reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composites.......190

1. Introduction........................................................................................190

2. Description of constituents.............................................................191

3. Testing methods................................................................................200

4. Properties............................................................................................202

5. Conclusion..........................................................................................217

6. Acknowledgement............................................................................217

Chapter 9 Advances in Electroactive Electrospun Nanofibers........................224

1. Introduction........................................................................................224

2. Nanofibers of conducting polymers ...........................................227

3. Electrospinning process...................................................................244

4. Conclusions and perspectives .......................................................257

Chapter 10 Chitin Nanofibers with a Uniform Width of 10 to 20 nm and Their

Transparent Nanocomposite Films.....................................................266

1. Introduction........................................................................................266

2. Preparation of chitin nanofibers....................................................268

3. Preparation of optically transparent nanocomposites...............282

4. Conclusion..........................................................................................294

Chapter 11 Industrial Production Technology for Nanofibers..........................299

1. Introduction........................................................................................299

2. Theoretical background ..................................................................300

3. Technical realization.........................................................................304

4. Conclusion..........................................................................................312

Citation......................................................................................................315

Index...........................................................................................................317

About Author

Chihiro Santoro obtained his Ph.D. in Nanotechnology from Public Research University, Bocolod. He has written several research papers and reports edited more than 40 articles and book chapters in the field of biology and nanotechnology. He is working as a Senior Science Research Specialist in Joint Govt. Research Program at Pleiku. His research interests include nanofabrication, functional nanoparticles and nanomaterials, molecular engineering, and advances in nanotechnology. He has been an eminent speaker in seminars across Europe and America.