Effect of Magnetic Field on the Structure and Sorption Properties of Films Based on Hydroxyethyl Cellulose and Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Using polarization and scanning electron microscopy and water vapor sorption the structure and properties of film composite nanomaterials based on hydroxyethyl cellulose and carbon nanotubes obtained in the magnetic field and outside the field have been studied. The films are anisotropic, which is associated with the formation of a liquid-crystalline phase during solvent evaporation from solution. Application of the magnetic field leads to the orientation of macromolecules and carbon nanotubess in the films, facilitating compaction of the structure of films and reduction in their ability to sorb water vapor. The Gibbs energies of the interaction of hydroxyethyl cellulose/carbon nanotube films obtained in the magnetic field and outside the field with water are calculated. For the films obtained in the magnetic field the negative values of the Gibbs energies decrease, indicating worsening of their interaction with water. With the introduction of carbon nanotubes into hydroxyethyl cellulose this effect becomes more pronounced.