Fabrication of lignin-containing cellulose bio-composite based on unbleached corncob and wheat straw pulp

Abstract

In contemporary life, plastic, a kind of petroleum carbon source, has been produced and used in varieties of applications. However, the vast consumption of petroleum-based plastic and the burning of agricultural wastes make the environmental problems increasingly severe. Furthermore, a large number of lignocellulosic resources (such as corncob and wheat straw) are often wasted and burned, which will aggravate the environmental damage. In this paper, we use unbleached corncob and wheat straw pulp to fabricate the lignin-containing cellulose bio-composites (LCBs) to reduce non-renewable energy consumption and utilize agricultural wastes. The LCBs were obtained by a direct manufacturing process in benzyltrimethyl ammonium hydroxide (BzMe3NOH) aqueous solution under mild conditions, constituting an entwined composite structure of cellulose micro/nano-fibers. This unique micro/nano-structure provides bio-composites with the outstanding mechanical performance of 96.7 MPa and a high haze of 90.1%. Meanwhile, with the inherent lignin, the LCBs could filter over 81.8% UV-C. As the raw material used is pure natural lignocellulose, the bio-composites prepared have innate environmental friendliness. With exceptional mechanical strength, UV-shielding property, and innate environmental friendliness, the LCBs are possible and potential substitutes for traditional petroleum-based plastic that is easily aging or non-biodegradable.