Addition Of Cellulose Nanofibers Research Articles

Construction of biodegradable superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic materials with CNF (cellulose nanofiber) fence-like attached on the surface for efficient oil/water emulsion separation

Superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic materials for the separation of oil-water emulsions by filtration have received much attention in order to solve the pollution problem of oil-water emulsion. In this paper, a fence-like structure on the surface of CNF/KGM (Konjac Glucomannan) materials by a simple method using CNF instead of metal nanowires was successfully developed based on the hydrogen bonding of KGM and CNF. The resulted organic CNF/KGM materials surface has outstanding superhydrophilic (WCA = 0°) in air and superoleophobicity (OCA≥151°) in water, which could separate oil-water mixtures with high separation efficiency above 99.14 % under the pressure of the emulsion itself. The material shows good mechanical properties because of the addition of CNF and has outstanding anti-fouling property and reusability. More importantly, the material can be completely biodegraded after buried in soil for 4 weeks since both of KGM and CNF are organic substances. Therefore, it may have a broad application prospect in the separation of oil-water emulsion because of its outstanding separation properties, simply preparation method and biodegradability.

Synthesis and characterization of cellulose nanofibers from waste paper and their utilization in wood adhesion

AbstractNanocellulose extraction from lignocellulosic materials is a highly chemical and energy‐intensive process as it requires the removal of lignin and hemicellulose. Writing paper is one of the processed materials that could be used as a raw material for the extraction of nanocellulose. In this work, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were synthesized from paper waste using TEMPO‐oxidation followed by high‐shear microfluidization. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy confirmed the diameter of fibers in the nano‐range and a consistent zeta potential confirmed the stability of CNF suspension in water over a long time frame. Characterization of the CNFs using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of a carbonyl group due to the oxidation process. Thermogravimetric analysis and x‐ray diffraction revealed lower thermal stability and reduction in the crystallinity index of CNFs, as compared to pulp fibers. The obtained CNFs were used successfully as the sole binding agent in the preparation of fiberboards and also utilized as a reinforcing agent for polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) adhesive in the preparation of laminated veneer lumber (LVLs). The addition of CNFs in PVAc improved the glue shear strength indicating superior bonding characteristics and also increased the water resistance of the LVLs.Highlights This work focused on cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) extraction from waste paper Obtained CNFs form stable water suspension and have a diameter of less than 15 nm Thermal stability and crystallinity index reduced after conversion to nanofibers CNFs form a complex network and act as a sole binder to make fiberboards CNFs were utilized as a reinforcing agent for PVAc in preparation of LVLs

Design, characterization, and performance evaluation of novel PVA/CS/CNF/MOP TN ionic conductive hydrogels for flexible sensors

AbstractFlexible hydrogel polymers with excellent stretchability, high conductivity, and biocompatibility are widely used to prepare flexible sensing devices. However, it remains difficult to simultaneously combine excellent tensile capacity and high ion conducting ability into a simple hydrogel material. While PVA‐based hydrogels have been developed before, this work focuses on a unique preparation method. It solves the engineering problem of making hydrogels that have both high elongation at break and high ionic conductivity. In the study, we introduced cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/chitosan (CS) cross‐linked polymer networks to form triple network (TN) composite hydrogel. The labyrinthine three‐dimensional (3D) honeycomb through‐hole network nanostructure generated by the addition of CNF provides the hydrogel with excellent mechanical properties. Then, the simple salting‐out strategy of muriate of potash (MOP) solution gives the hydrogel superior mechanical properties and high ionic conductivity. The prepared PVA/CS/CNF/MOP TN ionic conductive hydrogel not only exhibits excellent mechanical properties (toughness up to 2.39 MJ m−3, fracture strength up to 1.78 MPa, fracture strain up to 350%) but also has impressive ionic conductivity (highest to 8.4 S m−1). The flexible hydrogel strain sensor assembled from the PVA/CS/CNF/MOP TN ionic conductive hydrogel showed remarkable sensitivity (gauge factor for 6.9) and the ability to detect human motions reliably. Besides, the hydrogel also has maintained long‐term antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The study provided a new perspective on designing multifunctional materials featuring strong mechanical properties and high ionic conductivity, contributing to the advancement of flexible sensor technologies.

Fabrication of anti-fouling membranes of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with the addition of cellulose nanofibers (CNF)

In this study, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were synthesized for the fabrication of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes using the non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) technique with distilled water as the non-solvent. The hybrid membranes exhibited an asymmetric morphology, along with increased porosity and hydrophilicity with the rising concentration of CNFs. Thermal analysis revealed that all membranes are thermally stable up to approximately 430 °C, indicating their viability for high-temperature applications. Filtration tests demonstrated an enhanced permeate flux and albumin retention with the addition of CNF. The membrane with 1.5 wt% CNF increased solute retention by 19.67 % compared to the PVDF membrane. Furthermore, the hybrid membranes exhibited improved flow recovery rates and a reduction in irreversible fouling. These findings underscore the hydrophilic and anti-fouling properties of the membranes produced in this study, making them a promising solution to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of filtration and separation processes. Their significant potential for water treatment applications in the near future is highlighted.

Effects of Cellulose Nanofibers on Soil Water Retention and Aggregate Stability

Innovative solutions that address global challenges such as water scarcity and soil erosion are critical for maintaining sustainable agriculture. Due to their water-absorbing and soil-binding properties, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) can be applied to soil to enhance soil water retention and aggregate stability. In this study, we analyzed the effects of the drying temperature, dosage, irrigation water quality, and soil type on the efficacy of CNFs. Our results revealed that CNF dried at 5°C is more effective at absorbing water than others, and adding 1% CNF enhanced soil water content up to 98%. The CNF samples absorbed water due to their hydrophilic molecular groups and morphological structure, as confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. CNF addition increased the soil volumetric water content and prolonged water retention by 22 days in the paddy soil samples, highlighting its potential for drought-prone areas. Furthermore, irrigation water quality, such as pH and cation values, influenced the interactions between CNF and water molecules, suggesting adjustments to the water retention curve. In its hydrated state, CNF promotes colloid flocculation and binds to soil particles, thereby strengthening the bonds crucial for aggregate formation and stability. CNF enhanced macro-aggregate formation by up to 48% and 59% in the masa and paddy soil samples, respectively. Our study emphasizes the potential of CNF for water conservation, soil health, and overall agricultural sustainability.

Algal growth inhibition test with TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers

Ecotoxicity data on cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are limited despite their wide potential applications prospects, such as structural and packaging materials, filters, coatings, foods, and cosmetics. In this study, toxicity tests of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO)-oxidized CNFs (TEMPO-CNFs), which are one of the major CNF products commercially available in Japan, on the green alga Raphidocelis subcapitata were conducted. As nanomaterials are considered difficult-to-test substances, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has released a guidance document that provides considerations regarding ecotoxicity tests of nanomaterials. In the algal growth inhibition tests of TEMPO-CNFs, there were specific issues to be examined, including the effects of medium components on the characteristics of TEMPO-CNFs, CNF interference with algal density measurements, algal interference with CNF measurements, and the effects of ion concentration changes in the test medium by the addition of CNFs on algal growth. To examine these issues, we conducted preliminary studies and established a suitable test method for algal growth inhibition tests of TEMPO-CNFs. We confirmed that the components in the medium for algal growth inhibition tests had negligible effects on the characteristics (zeta-potential, viscosity, and morphology) and concentration stability of TEMPO-CNFs and that in vitro and in vivo fluorescence measurements were applicable for estimating the algal densities, without interference by TEMPO-CNFs. In contrast, we observed that the grown algae interfered with the CNF concentration measurements. Therefore, we established a method to correct the measured CNF concentrations by estimating the algal contribution. Furthermore, we found that the nutrient salt concentrations in the medium changed due to interactions with CNFs; however, this change did not affect algal growth. Based on the results of the preliminary studies, algal growth inhibition tests of TEMPO-CNFs were conducted using in vitro and in vivo fluorescence measurements, along with measurements of CNFs and ion concentrations in the test dispersions. The test results showed that no growth inhibition was observed on growth rate or yield even at the maximum CNF concentration of 100 mg/L, suggesting that the ecological effect of TEMPO-CNFs on algae was relatively low. The results of this study will be valuable for conducting ecotoxicity assessments on additional CNFs and comparable nanomaterials in future studies.

Combination of cellulose nanofiber and artificial fusion protein for biocementation

Biomineralization occurring in living organisms is mostly controlled by organic macromolecules such as polysaccharides and proteins. Recently, biomineralization has been attracting much attention as a green and sustainable cementation technique including enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation (EICP), where CaCO3 is formed by hydrolysis of urea by urease in the presence of calcium ions. In this study, we have developed a novel hybrid biocementation method combining CaCO3 and cellulose nanofiber (CNF). In nature, matrix proteins work as a binder at the interface of organic and inorganic materials to form hybrid biomaterials. By mimicking the natural system, we designed an artificial fusion protein to facilitate the deposition of CaCO3 on CNF. Calcite-binding peptide (CaBP) and carbohydrate-binding module (CBM) were introduced in the artificial fusion protein CaBP-CBM to connect CaCO3 and cellulose. The addition of CNF in the EICP system resulted in the formation of a number of small particles of CaCO3 compared to a non-additive system. The addition of the fusion protein CaBP-CBM to CNF led to an increase in the size of CaCO3 particles. Furthermore, the combination of CaBP-CBM and CNF provides higher strength of samples in sand solidification. Therefore, introduction of CNF and the fusion protein would be promising for novel biocementation techniques.

Bionanocomposite Based on Cassava Waste Starch, Locust Bean Galactomannan, and Cassava Waste Cellulose Nanofibers.

Natural polysaccharides are among the renewable sources with great potential for replacing petroleum-derived chemicals as precursors to produce biodegradable films. This study aimed to prepare biopolymeric films using starch extracted from the periderm and cortex of cassava roots (waste from cassava root processing), locust bean galactomannan, and cellulose nanofibers also obtained from cassava waste. The films were prepared by casting, and their physicochemical, mechanical, and biodegradability properties were evaluated. The content of cellulose nanofibers varied from 0.5 to 2.5%. Although the addition of cellulose nanofibers did not alter the mechanical properties of the films, it significantly enhanced the vapor barrier of the films (0.055 g mm/m2 h kPa-2.5% nanofibers) and their respective stabilities in aqueous acidic and alkaline media. All prepared films were biodegradable, with complete degradation occurring within five days. The prepared films were deemed promising alternatives for minimizing environmental impacts caused by the disposal of petroleum-derived materials.

Effect of Powdered Cellulose Nanofiber with Different Particle Sizes on the Physical Properties of Tablets Manufactured via Direct Compression.

Direct compression is a tableting technique that involves a few steps in non-demanding manufacturing conditions. High strength and rapid disintegration of tablet formulations were previously achieved through the addition of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), which have recently attracted attention as a high-performance biomass material. However, CNF addition results in greater variation in tablet weight and drug content, potentially due to differences in particle size between CNF and other additives. Herein, we used pulverized CNF to evaluate the effect of CNF particle size on the variation in tablet weight and drug content. Tablet formulations consisted of CNF with different particle sizes (approximately 100 µm [CNF100] and 300 µm [CNF300], at 0, 10, 30, or 50%), lactose hydrate, acetaminophen, and magnesium stearate. Ten powder formulations with different particle sizes and CNF concentrations were prepared; thereafter, the tablets were produced using a rotary tableting press with a compression force of 10 kN. The variation in weight and drug content as well as the tensile strength, friability, disintegration time, and drug dissolution of tablets were evaluated. CNF100 addition to the tablets reduced the weight and drug content variation to a greater extent than CNF300 addition. Using CNF300, we produced tablets of sufficient strength and short disintegration time. These properties were also achieved with CNF100 addition. Our findings suggest that adding CNF of small particle size to the tablet formulation can reduce the variation in weight and drug content while maintaining high strength and short disintegration time.

Extraction of Cellulose Nanocrystals and Nanofibers from Rubber Leaves and Their Impacts on Natural Rubber Properties

This study aimed to chemically isolate two distinct types of nanocellulose derived from rubber leaves and investigate their use in natural rubber (NR). The cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were obtained through acid hydrolysis, while oxidation with 2, 2, 6, 6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) was used to produce cellulose nanofibers (CNFs). The CNCs exhibited rigid and rod-like structures due to the removal of amorphous regions through acid hydrolysis, whereas the CNFs retained flexible, fiber-like morphologies and high aspect ratios. Incorporating CNCs or CNFs into NR improved its tensile properties, with the rigid CNCs enhancing the mechanical properties more than the flexible CNFs. CNC addition resulted in a 40% increase in tensile strength and a 38% increase in Young's modulus of NR. However, elongation at break decreased with filler content. On the other hand, CNF addition improved the elongation at the break without compromising the tensile properties. NR with CNF addition exhibited a 25% increase in tensile strength, a 30% increase in Young's modulus, and a 20% increase in elongation at break. Additionally, the biodegradability of NR nanocomposite films containing CNCs or CNFs surpassed that of unfilled NR film. Notably, a 6-month soil burial test revealed weight losses of 35% and 40% for NR nanocomposite films with CNCs and CNFs respectively, compared to a weight loss of 25% for the unfilled NR film.

One-step wet-spinning of conducting polymer and cellulose nanofiber composites for fiber-type organic electrochemical transistors

Considering that textile-based sensors are suitable for monitoring/communicating human vital health information, organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are considered as an efficient device platform for augmenting the capabilities and effectiveness of smart textile applications in diverse areas. Herein, we investigated the fabrication process and properties of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)-TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofiber (CNF) composites as active channel materials for fiber-type OECTs. Utilizing highly crystalline, mechanically rigid, and chemically robust CNFs directly extracted from biomass-derived tunicate, we fabricated PEDOT:PSS-CNF composite fibers with varying CNF portions (0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 %) through a simple one-step wet-spinning process using sulfuric acid-based coagulation media. The addition of CNFs significantly improved the mechanical strength of the composite fibers with Young's modulus up to 13.4 ± 2.1 GPa. Moreover, the fiber-type OECT devices based on the PEDOT:PSS(80 %)-CNF(20 %) composite showed highest carrier mobility (4.0 ± 0.2 cm2 V−1 s−1) with the marginal trade-off in volumetric capacitance (57.1 ± 3.7 F/cm3), resulting in the decent benchmark performance parameter (μ·C*) of 229 F cm−1 V−1 s−1. Our findings suggest that the synergistic interaction between PEDOT:PSS and CNFs leads to a significant improvement in fiber properties, and the resulting composite fibers hold great potentials for use in eco-friendly wearable/textile electronics.

Epoxy composites based on phase change microcapsules with high thermal conductivity and storage efficiency by dispersing with cellulose nanofibrils

The incorporation of microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCMs) into electronic packaging materials has demonstrated the potential to reduce the transient increase in temperature of electronic devices under thermal loading. However, because of their high specific surface area, MPCMs tend to form severe aggregates in polymer matrices, resulting in poor thermal conductivity and energy storage efficiency. Therefore, in this paper, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were used as dispersants to effectively disperse MPCMs in the epoxy resin matrix to synthesize epoxy composites with superior thermal conductivity and thermal storage properties (referred to as EBM-C). The results demonstrated that the addition of CNF improved the dispersion of MPCMs as well as the thermal conductivity and thermal storage capacity of the composites. The thermal conductivity and energy storage efficiency of the composites with 3 wt% CNF were increased by 100 %, and 97 %, respectively, compared to those of composites without CNF. In addition, the EBM-C composites also had excellent thermal stability and mechanical properties. The experimental results conclusively demonstrate that the EBM-C composites have tremendous application potential as thermal management materials.

Structure–Property Correlation in Natural Rubber Nanocomposite Foams: A Comparison between Nanoclay and Cellulose Nanofiber Used as Nanofillers

Nanocomposite foams of natural rubber (NR) with 5 phr of two kinds of nanofillers, nanoclay (NC) and cellulose nanofiber (CNF), were produced using the latex mixing method and foaming with azodicarbonamide. The effect of the nanofiller on the structure and mechanical properties of NR foams was investigated through SEM, TEM, tensile tests, WAXD, and compression set measurements. Smaller cells with a narrower distribution were attained in the NC/NR foam when compared to the NR and CNF/NR foams, and the expansion ratio was larger due to the suppression of the shrinkage in the NC/NR foam. The foaming of the NR nanocomposites reduced the size of the filler aggregates and improved the dispersion and alignment of nanofillers in the cell walls. The addition of NC and CNF enhanced the tensile strength of the NR foam by 139% and 62%, respectively, without sacrificing the excellent strain of the NR, due to the acceleration of the strain-induced crystallization and small size of the filler aggregates. The compression set of the NR foam could also be reduced in the NC/NR foam compared with the NR and CNF/NR foams.

Role of delignified and lignin-containing cellulose nanofibers in enhancing durability performances of portland cement composites

This study investigates the effectiveness of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) in enhancing the long-term durability performance of ordinary portland cement (OPC) composites against sulfate attack and alkali-silica reaction (ASR). Two different types of cellulose nanofibers, namely lignin-containing cellulose nanofibers (LCNF) and delignified cellulose nanofibers (DCNF), were used in three different dosages (0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.3% by weight of the cement) to produce mortar samples. The heat of hydration and microstructural studies confirmed that none of the selected CNFs negatively affected the early-age cement hydration. Dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) isotherms revealed that the addition of CNF increased the amounts of C–S–H of the paste samples and therefore, resulted in the densification of the matrix. LCNF and DCNF-containing mortar samples were exposed to 5% MgSO4 and 5% Na2SO4 for 6 months. The results showed that incorporating CNF improved the resistance of mortar against sulfate attack. Specifically, after 6 months of sulfate exposure, the compressive strengths of the control samples were reduced by nearly 50%. In the case of 0.3% DCNF and 0.3% LCNF-containing batches, the strength reductions were less than 20% after the same sulfate exposure duration. Moreover, the expansion due to the ASR of CNF-containing mortar bars was nearly 97% lower than the samples without CNF after one year of exposure test. For all the tested parameters, LCNF-containing samples showed better performance compared to DCNF-containing samples.

Effect of cellulose nanofiber-montmorillonite hybrid filler on the melt blending of thermoplastic starch composites

This study investigated the impact of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) on montmorillonites (MMTs) exfoliation within thermoplastic starch (TPS) nanocomposites during the melt blending process. TPS nanocomposite films were manufactured using an internal mixer with a controlled ratio of CNFs and MMTs to evaluate the effect of individual and hybrid fillers on the material interactions and characteristics of the TPS composites. The incorporation of hybrid fillers resulted in notable enhancements in torque values and rheological properties, suggesting interactions between the starch, CNFs, and MMTs. The degree of MMT intercalation, obtained via X-ray diffraction analysis, decreased with the addition of CNFs, indicating that CNFs positively impacted MMT exfoliation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of cryo- and tensile-fractured samples highlighted the effectiveness of CNFs in facilitating MMT exfoliation and reinforcing interactions between the MMTs and TPS matrix. These interactions enhanced the tensile strength and Young's modulus by up to 95.8 % and 278.2 %, respectively, with a 1:1 weight ratio of CNFs to MMTs. Additionally, well-dispersed MMTs within the TPS matrix caused passivation and created tortuous paths, improving the water contact angle and decreasing the water vapor sorption. These synergistic effects of the hybrid filler, achieved through a melt blending process, indicate the potential use of TPS nanocomposites as an eco-friendly packaging material.

The Mechanical Properties and Degradation Behavior of 3D-Printed Cellulose Nanofiber/Polylactic Acid Composites.

Polylactic acid (PLA) has been widely used in many fields because of its good biodegradability, biocompatibility, and renewability. This work studied the degradation behavior and mechanical properties of cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/PLA composites. In vitro degradation experiments of 3D-printed samples were conducted at elevated temperatures, and the degradation characteristics were evaluated by mechanical tests, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results indicated that the addition of CNF (0.5 wt%) accelerated the degradation rate of PLA. The decreases in number average molecular weight (Mn) and weight average molecular weight (Mw) of composites were 7.96% and 4.91% higher than that of neat PLA, respectively. Furthermore, the tensile modulus of composites was 18.4% higher than that of neat PLA, while the strength was 7.4% lower due to poor interfacial bonding between CNF and PLA. A mapping relationship between accelerated and normal degradation showed that the degradation experienced during 60 days at 37 °C was equivalent to that undergone during 14 days at 50 °C; this was achieved by examining the alteration in Mn. Moreover, the degradation process caused a notable deformation in the samples due to residual stress generated during the 3D printing process. This study provided valuable insights for investigating the in vitro degradation behavior of 3D-printed products.

Mechanical characterization and design of hybrid reinforced polypropylene composites with talc fillers and cellulose fibers

Hybrid reinforced polypropylene composites (PPCs) were fabricated via injection molding, and tensile tests were conducted. The results showed that the addition of cellulose nano-fibers (CNFs) and maleic-anhydride-modified polypropylene enhanced the PPC elastic constant and tensile strength. The nonlinear properties of the composites were analyzed via two-step asymptotic homogenization. After confirming that the numerical simulation can predict the experimental results well, a new strain-energy-based indicator was introduced to quantify the filler addition effect. The mechanical properties of PPCs can be linearly approximated using the indicator, named filler contribution proportion, and a simple composite design based on this relationship was proposed. As verification examples, the elastic constant and maximum tensile stress of unknown PPCs were predicted within a 5% error.

The Effect of Cellulose Nanofibres on Dewatering during Wet-Forming and the Mechanical Properties of Thermoformed Specimens Made of Thermomechanical and Kraft Pulps.

Due to environmental concerns regarding single-use plastic materials, major efforts are being made to develop new material concepts based on biodegradable and renewable resources, e.g., wood pulp. In this study, we assessed two types of wood pulp fibres, i.e., thermomechanical pulp (TMP) and Kraft pulp fibres, and tested the performance of the fibres in wet-moulding and thermopressing trials. Kraft pulp fibres appeared to retain more water than TMP, increasing the dewatering time during wet-moulding and apparently increasing the compression resistance of the pulp during thermoforming. Additionally, cellulose nanofibres (CNF) were added to the pulps, which improved the mechanical properties of the final thermopressed specimens. However, the addition of CNF to the pulps (from 2 to 6%) had a further decrease in the dewatering efficiency in the wet-moulding process, and this effect was more pronounced in the Kraft pulp specimens. The mechanical performance of the thermoformed specimens was in the same range as the plastic materials that are conventionally used in food packaging, i.e., modulus 0.6-1.2 GPa, strength 49 MPa and elongation 6-9%. Finally, this study demonstrates the potential of wood pulps to form three-dimensional thermoformed products.

Self-supported hydrogel loose nanofiltration membrane for dye/salt separation

A novel self-supported hydrogel loose nanofiltration (LNF) membrane was prepared by using sodium alginate as matrix, large molecular weight PEG as pore-making agent, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) as additives, in which free water evaporation (“cooking”) technique followed by ionic cross-linking method was utilized. The “cooking” technique and the addition of CNF and MWCNT-COOH guaranteed the mechanical strength of the gel, and the synergistic effect of large molecular weight PEG and MWCNT-COOH made the gel form a loose structure. The resulting composite membrane possessed high water permeability of 51.6 Lm−2h−1bar−1. Meanwhile, based on the porous structure and the synergistic action of multi-ionic groups, the membrane exhibited a high dye rejection: Crystal violet (99.8%), Congo red (98.9%), Tartrazine (93.1%), Methylene blue (85.7%), while maintaining a rather low retention of salts: MgSO4 (11.6%), Na2SO4 (10.5%), MgCl2 (9.1%), NaCl (7.3%). Furthermore, the membrane exhibited outstanding separation efficiency towards the mixed dye/salt feed solution with special combination. In addition, the membrane not only showed excellent hydrophilicity and stain resistance, but also had good recycling effect. This study provides a simple and feasible method for the preparation of dye desalination membrane.

Biobased super engineering plastic nanocomposite of cellulose nanofibers and isosorbide

Bio-super engineering plastic using biomass-derived isosorbide based poly(arylene ether ketone) (IK) is essential for sustainable development. However, synthesized IK is brittle owing to its rigid structure. To overcome this problem, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were used as fillers. The CNFs were dispersed in melted isosorbide and then polymerized using an in situ method to enhance the mechanical properties of the composites. The effects of the CNF filler on IK were investigated through tensile testing and by analyzing the morphology of the fracture surface, and rheology. Adding 0.05 wt% CNF increased elongation and acted as a plasticizer, while 0.1 wt% CNF increased both tensile strength and elongation, improving the tensile toughness by up to two-fold through interaction between the matrix and filler. Overall, the addition of CNFs as a filler has the potential to improve the mechanical properties of IK, thus making it suitable for various sustainable applications.