Nanocellulose TiO₂ composites: sustainable material safety and performance for automotive and biomedical emergency applications

This study develops and evaluates nanocellulose TiO2 epoxy composites containing 5%, 10%, and 15% TiO2 to identify a multifunctional material suitable for next-generation safety and emergency-response applications. The composites were prepared by using an epoxy nanocellulose matrix reinforced with TiO2 nanoparticles, followed by curing and controlled drying. FTIR analysis confirmed Ti-O bonding (699−742 cm−1) and stable organic functional groups, while high-magnification SEM revealed a fibrous nanocellulose network with progressively increased TiO2 aggregation at higher loadings. XRD verified successful nanoparticle incorporation, with dominant anatase peaks and minor rutile reflections. PSA and zeta-potential measurements indicated moderately polydisperse but stable dispersions (PI: 0.39–0.46; –19.0 to –27.0 mV). DSC thermograms showed moisture loss between 70−140 °C and decomposition onset near 200 °C, confirming suitability for moderate-temperature operational environments. Mechanical testing identified the 10% TiO2 composite as optimal, exhibiting the highest tensile strength (52.4 MPa) and Young's modulus (3.3 GPa) due to enhanced interfacial bonding and stress-transfer efficiency. Collectively, the results demonstrate that the 10% TiO2 nanocellulose composite provides the best balance of mechanical strength, thermal stability, dispersion, and structural integrity, making it a promising candidate for multifunctional emergency applications such as rapid-deployment biomedical support structures, lightweight automotive panels, and filtration or protective systems.