Composite films of hydroxyethyl cellulose and hydroxyapatite nanowires with high mechanical strength and electrical insulation property

An insulation network was constructed by adding hydroxyapatite nanowires (HNs) to a hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) system. The HNs improve the mechanical and insulating properties of the composites. The results showed the formation of strong chemical interactions between the HEC and HNs. Moreover, 20% HNs addition maximized the electrical insulation and tensile strength of the HEC/HNs film to 12.7 kV/mm and 34.12 MPa, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a three-dimensional network of HNs at the perforated edge of the films, which prevented further decomposition of HEC by the current flow. The superior mechanical properties of the combined HEC and HNs were attributed to the self-assembling cambium structure.