Casein matrix composites reinforced with recycled cellulose and cellulose acetate fibers: formulation and mechanical performance for sustainable applications

IF 4.9 2区工程技术 Q1 MATERIALS SCIENCE, PAPER & WOOD

Cellulose Pub Date : 2025-03-18 DOI:10.1007/s10570-025-06469-z

Marco Russo, Antonio Langella, Lucia Sansone, Maria Rosaria Ricciardi

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Abstract

Casein-based composite materials show promise for sustainable applications due to their biodegradability and mechanical properties. With over 1.3 million tons of milk wasted annually, this study investigates repurposing this resource into composites reinforced with 50 wt% recycled cellulose and cellulose acetate fibers from cigarette butts. Mechanical testing revealed that composites with recycled cellulose fibers outperformed those with cellulose acetate, exhibiting a flexural modulus of 3527.7 MPa and a flexural strength of 24.2 MPa, compared to a flexural modulus of 1411 MPa and a flexural strength of 13.4 MPa for cellulose acetate. Shear strength tests also showed superior results for recycled cellulose (5.7 MPa) compared to cellulose acetate (3.3 MPa). Charpy impact tests further confirmed this trend, with impact strengths of 8.1 kJ/m² for cellulose and 6.7 kJ/m² for cellulose acetate. These findings highlight the potential of cellulose-reinforced casein composites as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic materials, addressing both milk waste and cigarette pollution. By incorporating waste materials into the production process, this study aligns with the principles of the circular economy, promoting waste reduction, resource efficiency, and sustainability. Future research will focus on scalability, fiber treatments, and applications in construction, packaging, and automotive industries.

Graphical abstract

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用再生纤维素和醋酸纤维素纤维增强的酪蛋白基复合材料：可持续应用的配方和机械性能

酪蛋白基复合材料由于其生物降解性和机械性能，具有可持续应用的前景。每年有超过130万吨的牛奶被浪费，这项研究调查了将这种资源重新利用成复合材料，其中含有50%的回收纤维素和烟头醋酸纤维素纤维。力学测试表明，与醋酸纤维素相比，含再生纤维素纤维的复合材料的抗弯模量为3527.7 MPa，抗弯强度为24.2 MPa，而含再生纤维素纤维的复合材料的抗弯模量为1411 MPa，抗弯强度为13.4 MPa。抗剪强度试验也显示再生纤维素（5.7 MPa）优于醋酸纤维素（3.3 MPa）。Charpy冲击试验进一步证实了这一趋势，纤维素的冲击强度为8.1 kJ/m2，醋酸纤维素的冲击强度为6.7 kJ/m2。这些发现突出了纤维素增强酪蛋白复合材料作为合成材料的环保替代品的潜力，解决了牛奶废物和香烟污染问题。通过将废物纳入生产过程，本研究符合循环经济的原则，促进减少废物，提高资源效率和可持续性。未来的研究将集中在可扩展性、纤维处理以及在建筑、包装和汽车工业中的应用。图形抽象

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来源期刊

Cellulose 工程技术-材料科学：纺织

CiteScore

10.10

自引率

10.50%

发文量

580

审稿时长

3-8 weeks

期刊介绍： Cellulose is an international journal devoted to the dissemination of research and scientific and technological progress in the field of cellulose and related naturally occurring polymers. The journal is concerned with the pure and applied science of cellulose and related materials, and also with the development of relevant new technologies. This includes the chemistry, biochemistry, physics and materials science of cellulose and its sources, including wood and other biomass resources, and their derivatives. Coverage extends to the conversion of these polymers and resources into manufactured goods, such as pulp, paper, textiles, and manufactured as well natural fibers, and to the chemistry of materials used in their processing. Cellulose publishes review articles, research papers, and technical notes.