Nanocellulose for Paper and Textile Coating: The Importance of Surface Chemistry

Abstract

Nanocellulose has received enormous scientific interest for its abundance, easy manufacturing, biodegradability, and low cost. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are ideal candidates to replace plastic coating in the textile and paper industry. Thanks to their capacity to form an interconnected network kept together by hydrogen bonds, nanocelluloses perform an unprecedented strengthening action towards cellulose‐ and other fiber‐based materials. Furthermore, nanocellulose use implies greener application procedures, such as deposition from water. The surface chemistry of nanocellulose plays a pivotal role in influencing the performance of the coating: tailored surface functionalization can introduce several properties, such as gas or grease barrier, hydrophobicity, antibacterial and anti‐UV behavior. This review summarizes recent achievements in the use of nanocellulose for paper and textile coating, evidencing critical aspects of coating performances related to deposition technique, nanocellulose morphology, and surface functionalization. Furthermore, beyond focusing on the aspects strictly related to large‐scale coating applications for paper and textile industries, this review includes recent achievements in the use of nanocellulose coating for the safeguarding of Cultural Heritage, an extremely noble and interesting emerging application of nanocellulose, focusing on consolidation of historical paper and archaeological textile. Finally, nanocellulose use in electronic devices as an electrode modifier is highlighted.

Advanced Sustainable Trilayer Cellulosic “Paper Separator” Functionalized with Nano-BaTiO3 for Applications in Li-Ion Batteries and Supercapacitors

“…This process is called surface “sizing”, which offers a certain benefit towards the large-scale fabrication process by improving the tensile strength of the thin paper substrate and extending the scope of further functionalization. The sizing process also consolidates the surface of the paper sheet, reducing its tendency to extricate surface fibers and moisture absorption under humid atmosphere . Another most important role of this step is to reduce the pore spaces of the untreated bare paper substrate.…”

Polyelectrolyte Coatings—A Viable Approach for Cultural Heritage Protection

“…While this is happening, excessive sun exposure would accelerate UVA and UVB radiation’s breakdown of cellulose molecules. Therefore, in order to delay the degradation in the maintenance of these paper collections, preventive conservation is required [ 41 , 107 , 108 , 109 , 110 , 111 ].…”

Isolation of Pure Lignin and Highly Digestible Cellulose from Defatted and Steam-Exploded Cynara cardunculus

“…The cellulose polymer is composed of linear chains of glucopyranose rings linked to each other by β-glycosidic bonds and represents the most abundant organic macromolecule on earth. Cellulose forms crystalline fibrils, kept together by interchain hydrogen bonds; for this reason, it is insoluble and resistant to degradation . Conversely, hemicellulose consists of chains of various pentoses and hexoses, and it is more hydrophilic and easier to degrade than cellulose .…”

“…Cellulose forms crystalline fibrils, kept together by interchain hydrogen bonds; for this reason, it is insoluble and resistant to degradation. 2 Conversely, hemicellulose consists of chains of various pentoses and hexoses, and it is more hydrophilic and easier to degrade than cellulose. 3 Lignin is a non-carbohydrate polymer rich in aromatic rings with a highly complex structure, variable across different types of plant species due to the biosynthetic process.…”