16 - Nanocellulose composites in the pulp and paper industry

Abstract

Nanocellulose is the rising material worldwide especially in the composite-related field due to its superior properties either using cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), or cellulose nanofiber (CNF). Nanocellulose is also well known as an enhancer for mechanical properties of most composite products including pulp and paper applications. This is attributed to the nanosized the fibers that have a larger surface area which leads to the increment of the hydrogen networks among the fillers and matrices. Usually, paper-based products are made up of woody material as it is strong enough to be used in various end-products. However, agricultural wastes have garnered tremendous attention from numerous sectors as it is more eco-friendly, renewable, abundance, biodegradable yet still low cost. Different treatments have been previously done to isolate nanocellulose effectively. Several processes on how to incorporate the nanocellulose into the paper-based products which include casting, coating, filtration, and papermaking will be further discussed in this review. The paper-based products added with nanocellulose will typically improve their mechanical strength, barrier properties as well as physical properties compared to the one that does not incorporate with the nanocellulose filler. Generally, the applied end-products are paper sheets, packaging, nanofilms, carton boards, etc., with improved properties.