Lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils enhanced strong and water-stable cellulose material as a plastic replacement

Abstract

In this work, lignocellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs) were prepared from bleached-chemi-thermo-mechanical-pulp (BCTMP) by a sequential process of oxidation and fibrillation. Cellulose material was obtained by adding the obtained LCNF suspension into Kraft pulp and dewatering. Then, hot pressing of the material at different temperatures (120–160 °C) was performed. The physical properties of the obtained materials were determined. The results showed that when adding 4% LCNFs into the Kraft pulp and press the sample at 160 °C, the tensile stress, the internal bond, and folding resistance (times) could reach 126.12 MPa, 724.28 J/m², 1922, respectively. Compared to the sample without the addition of LCNFs, the water vapor permeance and water contact angle were reduced to 429.97 g/m²·d and 68.4°, respectively, while the wet tensile stresses was increased from 4.75 to 8.51 MPa. Therefore, LCNFs prepared from BCTMP could be a promising material to improve the physical strength and moisture stability of the obtained cellulose materials in a cost-effective way. The obtained material could also be a green material or alternative to traditional plastics for packaging and healthcare applications.