Characterization and properties of hybrid foams from nanocellulose and kaolin-microfibrillated cellulose composite

Abstract

Hybrid nanocellulose-based foams are a desirable class of low-density and porous materials for their potential in many applications. This study aims at characterizing and understanding the structure-properties relationship of four foam formulations prepared from combinations of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and kaolin-microfibrillated cellulose composite. All the foams were crosslinked with a polyamide-epichlorohydrin crosslinker (Polycup) to impart stability under wet conditions without additional functionalization. Foams containing 25 wt% kaolin exhibited excellent shape recovery promoted by a higher load of crosslinker (5 wt%), and superior compressive properties. The addition of CNC at 33.3 wt% and 50 wt% did not seem to enhance the properties of the foam and also reduced the specific surface area. A preliminary comparative study between the four tested formulations was conducted to assess the feasibility of the foam as an adsorbent of methylene blue dye.

Highly Efficient Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Immobilized on Cellulose Nanofibril Aerogels for Arsenic Removal from Water

“…The freeze-dried IONPs exhibited a considerably high specific surface area of 165 m 2 g −1 . The BET surface area of CNF aerogel without additives is 13 m 2 g −1 , which is typical for this type of material [45]. The minimal aggregation and uniform distribution of the IONPs in the aerogel suggest that the surface area of the IONPs was not compromised.…”

“…Although the leaching of iron is minimal, this result revealed the importance of rinsing the aerogels with water prior to their intended application. augment the extent of recovery [44][45][46]. It is not surprising that the presence of the IONPs decreased the shape recovery percentage, which is presumably due to the partial disruption of the CNF network, which renders the recovery more challenging.…”

“…Typically, in crosslinked CNF-only aerogels, this phenomenon is attributed to the high surface tension of water, which creates large capillary forces that expand the fibrils. Additionally, the diffusion of water into the pores coupled with partial swelling of amorphous cellulose augment the extent of recovery [44][45][46]. It is not surprising that the presence of the IONPs decreased the shape recovery percentage, which is presumably due to the partial disruption of the CNF network, which renders the recovery more challenging.…”

Overview on Foam Forming Cellulose Materials for Cushioning Packaging Applications

“…To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first instance when the citric acid and chitosan has been used to produce a water-stable low-density cellulose fiber foam material with antimicrobial properties. Comparing with freeze-drying or organic solvents processes [ 72 , 73 , 74 ] this method is simple and facilitates large scale production. The obtained results show that the produced foam material containing only bio-based polymers (i.e., cellulose fibers and chitosan) had water-stability and appropriate antimicrobial properties.…”

Comprehensive Insight into Foams Made of Thermomechanical Pulp Fibers and Cellulose Nanofibrils via Microwave Radiation

“…Despite the excellent properties of these foams, their production is not energy-efficient, , which renders large-scale production challenging, especially when the energy input is not justified by high-value end products. Also, chemical reinforcing agents, such as polyethyleneimine/hexamethylenediamine, epichlorohydrin, , and citric acid, are often added to improve the mechanical properties and stability under wet conditions.…”