Preparation of Breathable Cellulose Based Polymeric Membranes with Enhanced Water Resistance for the Building Industry

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of advanced water-resistant bio-based membranes with enhanced vapour permeability for use within building envelopes. Building walls are vulnerable to moisture damage and mold growth due to water penetration, built-in moisture, and interstitial condensation. In this work, breathable composite membranes were prepared using micro-fibrillated cellulose fiber (CF) and polylactic acid (PLA). The chemical composition and physical structure of CF is responsible for its hydrophilic nature, which affects its compatibility with polymers and consequently its performance in the presence of excessive moisture conditions. To enhance the dispersibility of CF in the PLA polymer, the fibers were treated with an organic phosphoric acid ester-based surfactant. The hygroscopic properties of the PLA-CF composites were improved after surfactant treatment and the membranes were resistant to water yet permeable to vapor. Morphological examination of the surface showed better interfacial adhesion and enhanced dispersion of CF in the PLA matrix. Thermal analysis revealed that the surfactant treatment of CF enhanced the glass transition temperature and thermal stability of the composite samples. These bio-based membranes have immense potential as durable, eco-friendly, weather resistant barriers for the building industry as they can adapt to varying humidity conditions, thus allowing entrapped water vapor to pass through and escape the building, eventually prolonging the building life.

Development of bio-based membranes for building envelope applications from poly(lactic acid) and cellulose microfibers

“…Moreover, the agglomeration of CMF in PLA and the formation of voids between the polymer matrix and fibers can create a preferential pathway for the transport of water vapor molecules in materials. Hussain and Blanchet (2021) previously demonstrated that the values of water vapor transmission increased by incorporating cellulose fibers into the PLA matrix.…”

Improving Mechanical Strength and Water Barrier Properties of Pulp Molded Product by Wet-End Added Polyamide Epichlorohydrin/Cationic Starch

“…Its slight enhancement on the wet strength of the product could be due to the formed hydrogen bonding between CS and fibers. 28 , 29 …”

“…Its slight enhancement on the wet strength of the product could be due to the formed hydrogen bonding between CS and fibers. 28,29 Water Resistance of CS Wet-Added Pulp Molded Products. The contact angles of CS wet-added pulp molded products at various CS dosages are demonstrated in Figure 7.…”

“…CS caused the wet strength of the product to gradually increase and reach a peak value of 1.59 kN/m at a dosage of 0.6%. Its slight enhancement on the wet strength of the product could be due to the formed hydrogen bonding between CS and fibers. , …”

Green enhancement of wood plastic composite based on agriculture wastes compatibility via fungal enzymes

“…This phenomenon is convinced by the transmission of water molecules in the microscopic pores of the fiber material which are filled with water because of capillary condensation 58 . For ingredients that display hysteresis in their sorption isotherm, it has been described previously that their WVTR is dependent on moisture content 59,60 . We detected that there is a small increase in water vapor transmission rate as the percentage of different ratios of treated fibers (Sub and SSF) from 10 to 20% increases.…”