Effect of hornification on the isolation of anionic cellulose nanofibrils from Kraft pulp via maleic anhydride esterification

Production of lignin containing cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) after enzymatic treatment of curl-induced, unbleached kraft pulps

“…6). This result is comparable to CNF derived from chemical pulps through treatments such as acid anhydrides -mediated esterification, 43,45 indicating that the combination of enzymes and mechanical processes was effective as an alternative approach. It is probable that the more organized and less tangled fibril network of curl-derived CNF (due to a higher degree of nano-fibrillation and stronger electrostatic repulsion between nanofibrils) led to a cellulose nanopaper with greater strength compared to the nanopaper derived from straight fibers.…”

“…This result shows promise, considering that the average fibril width of CNF obtained through chemical methods like TEMPO oxidation and acid anhydride-mediated esterification typically ranges around 10–20 nm. 42,43…”