Preparations, properties, and formation mechanism of novel cellulose hydrogel membrane based on ionic liquid

ABSTRACT Cellulose hydrogel membranes were successfully produced by casting the cellulose/1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (BmimCl) solution into assembling molds, and then coagulated in water. The morphological features and mechanical properties of the prepared hydrogel membranes were characterized by a series of techniques including X‐ray diffraction measurements, scanning electron microscopy measurements, UV–visible light absorption spectrum, and tensile testing. The formation mechanism and the effects of different pre‐gelation temperature, pre‐gelation time, and coagulation batch temperature on the morphology and property of prepared cellulose hydrogel membranes were explored. The result shows that the hydrogel membrane of cellulose with excellent performance can be prepared adopting novel ionic liquid (BmimCl) as solvent through suitable process; the prepared hydrogel membranes present good mechanical properties and excellent transparency. In addition, the model of the hydrogel formation is established. It is believed that this is a promising material in the application of biomedical engineering and medical material. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135 , 45488.