Bacterial cellulose as reinforcement in paper made from recycled office waste pulp

Abstract

Bacterial cellulose, produced during fermentation of Kombucha tea, was investigated relative to its ability to modify the characteristics of pulp from recycled office wastepaper. The produced bacterial cellulose wet films were dispersed and added rates of 5%, 10%, and 15% to the recycled office wastepaper. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analyses, scanning electron microscopy images and thermogravimetric analysis values were determined in order to characterize the pulp samples. The results of these analyses showed similar changes as the amount of added bacterial cellulose increased, which also meant an increased amount of filler attaching to the fiber matrix. The burst index and tensile index values were protected while the tear index value partially decreased as the amount of added bacterial cellulose increased. The brightness values of the bacterial cellulose reinforced papers did not change after thermal aging, while the changes in the yellowness values were quite limited. Higher water absorption rates, and lower air permeability values were obtained from bacterial cellulose reinforced recycled office wastepaper sheets, which corresponded to the addition of increased bacterial cellulose amounts. Considering the mechanical and physical properties of the reinforced paper, bacterial cellulose represents a promising alternative for the reinforcement of office wastepaper.