Addition Of Microcrystalline Cellulose Research Articles

Effect of moderate electric fields in the properties of starch and chitosan films reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) can provide improved properties when the aim is the development of biodegradable packaging materials. In this work the physicochemical properties of polysaccharide-based films (chitosan and starch) with the incorporation of MCC and the application of moderate electric field (MEF) and ultrasonic bath (UB) as treatments, were evaluated. For each treatment, the thickness, moisture content, solubility, water vapor permeability, contact angle, mechanical properties, along with its color and opacity were determined. The surface morphologies of the films were assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were also performed. It was observed that the addition of different concentrations of MCC as well as the application of MEF are responsible for changes in the properties of the films, being this effect dependent on the polysaccharide used. Chitosan-based films were slightly yellow, transparent and presented a more homogeneous structure. The use of MEF was efficient in decreasing the permeability to water vapor in chitosan based films without MCC, as well as in production of films with a more hydrophobic surface. The addition of MCC promoted more opaque, rigid, less flexible and less hydrophobic films. Starch-based films were whitish, with a more heterogeneous structure and the application of MEF generated more hydrophilic films with lower tensile strength and Young’s modulus. The films with MCC were more opaque, less flexible and less hydrophilic than the films without MCC. The composites presented good thermal properties, which increases their applicability as packaging materials. Therefore, the incorporation of MCC into polysaccharide-based films as well as the application of MEF can be an approach to change the properties of films.

Inhibitory effect of cellulose fibers on the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines in grilled beef patties.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) or carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) can be used as fat replacers; both are nondigestible fibers. As water-holding compounds, the impact of added CMC or MCC was studied concerning the formation of heterocyclic amines (HAAs). Low-fat patties with 0.5-3% MCC/CMC were prepared using 90% of beef and 10% of an aqueous fiber dispersion and were determined for HAA-levels after grilling. The HAAs in patties containing CMC(MCC) were found in the following concentrations; MeIQx (2-Amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline) 0.6-2.7 (0.9-3.3)ng/g, 4,8-DiMeIQx (2-Amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline) n.d.-1.5 (n.d.-2.2)ng/g and PhIP (2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine) 0.03-0.3 (0.06-0.2)ng/g. The patties clearly contained lower HAA-levels with increasing addition of CMC or MCC. A continuous increase of the concentrations of comutagenic harman was observed (CMC: 1.2-13.2; MCC: 5.2-11.4ng/g) for increasing levels of fibers and a slight decrease of the content of norharman for MCC (0.5-1.6ng/g). No clear tendency was found for norharman using CMC (0.3-1.1ng/g).

A novel approach of developing micro crystalline cellulose reinforced cementitious composites with enhanced microstructure and mechanical performance

This paper reports a novel approach of preparing aqueous suspensions of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) for fabrication of cementitious composites. MCC was dispersed homogeneously in water using Pluronic F-127 as a surfactant with the help of ultrasonication process and the aqueous suspensions were added to cement/sand mixture to prepare cementitious composites. A commonly used stabilizing agent for MCC, carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) was also used for the comparison purpose. The prepared suspensions were characterized through visual inspection, UV-Vis spectroscopy and optical microscopy. The developed composites were characterized for their bulk density, flexural and compressive properties as well as microstructure. The influence of Pluronic and CMC concentration, superplasticizer, dispersion technique and dispersion temperature on mortar's mechanical performance was thoroughly studied to find out the optimum conditions. Overall, Pluronic (with Pluronic: MCC ratio of 1:5) led to better MCC dispersion as well as dispersion stability as compared to CMC. The best mechanical performance was achieved with Pluronic in combination with superplasticizer using ultrasonication process, resulting in improvement of 106%, 31% and 66% in flexural modulus, flexural strength and compressive strengths, respectively (highest values reported till date). The bulk density and hydration of cementitious composites also improved significantly with the addition of MCC.

Structure and phase behaviour of microcrystalline cellulose in mixture with condensed systems of potato starch

AbstractIt has been suggested that microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) can be used in biodegradable films to improve techno‐functionality by providing bulk and enhancing mechanical strength. This study aimed to investigate the effect of MCC addition on the structural properties of potato starch films. Samples were prepared by hot pressing at 120 °C for 7 min to produce systems that covered a broad range of moisture content and relative humidity. Complimentary experimental techniques, including thermomechanical analysis, FTIR, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and SEM, were employed to examine the micro‐ and macromolecular characteristics in these mixtures. Both moisture content and the presence of MCC have a plasticising effect on the composites yielding a reduction in its glass transition temperature. It appears that there is no specific and nontrivial interaction between potato starch and MCC, an outcome which indicates that the cellulose fibres act as inert filler in the polymeric composite.

Microcrystalline Cellulose from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches as Filler in Polylactic Acid

Acid hydrolysis method was used to isolate microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) total chlorine free bleached pulp. The derived MCC was incorporated into polylactic acid (PLA) using solution casting technique in order to produce PLA/MCC composites. The chemical structure of the cellulose fragments remains unaltered as demonstrated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy despite acid hydrolysis. X-ray diffraction showed that the MCC has a cellulose I polymorph with 87% crystallinity index. The addition of MCC into PLA enhanced not only the thermal stability but also the Young's modulus of the PLA/MCC composites by approximately 30% at 5 phr MCC contents compared to pure PLA. However a decrease in tensile strength and elongation at break of the PLA/MCC composites were observed due to the poor dispersion of MCC in the PLA matrix

Development and properties evaluation of bio‐based PLA/PLGA blend films reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose and organophilic silica

The preparation and properties of hybrid materials based on poly(lactic acid)/poly(lactic acid‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLA/PLGA) blends using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and organophilic silica (R972) as fillers have been investigated. Hybrid materials were manufactured by solution casting using chloroform as solvent to prepare films. R972 was incorporated in a ratio of 3 wt%, and MCC was added in ratios of 3, 5, or 7 wt% with respect to the weight of the polymeric matrix. Films were prepared with only MCC addition or with MCC and R972 combined. Properties of the films were evaluated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mechanical property measurements. The results show that each filler, when added individually or in combination, affects the structure and final properties of the films differently. MCC acts as a nucleating agent for the crystallization of the polymeric matrix. An increase in the MCC content increased the crystallinity of the films. This effect became more pronounced with silica addition. The domain distribution curves showed PLA/PLGA blends to be homogeneous, which was further confirmed by DSC. An improvement in the mechanical performance was observed with MCC addition, especially when silica was added together with cellulose. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:464–472, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers.

Processing and characterization of polyols plasticized-starch reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose

Biocomposites suitable for short-life applications such as food packaging were prepared by melt processing and investigated. Biocomposites studied are wheat starch plasticized with two different molecular weight polyols (glycerol and sorbitol) and reinforced with various amounts of microcrystalline cellulose. The effect of the plasticizer type and the filler amount on the processing properties, the crystallization behavior and morphology developed for the materials, and the influence on thermal stability, dynamic mechanical properties and water absorption behavior were investigated. Addition of microcrystalline cellulose led to composites with good filler-matrix adhesion where the stiffness and resistance to humidity absorption were improved. The use of sorbitol as a plasticizer of starch also improved the stiffness and water uptake behavior of the material as well as its thermal stability. Biodegradable starch-based materials with a wide variety of properties can be tailored by varying the polyol plasticizer type and/or by adding microcrystalline cellulose filler.

The Comparative Study of Different Mixing Methods for Microcrystalline Cellulose/Polyethylene Composites

Abstract Polymer composites with polyethylene (PE), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and coupling agent (PE-g-MA) were melt blended using a single screw extruder (SSE), twin screw extruder (TSE), and a combination of SSE and extensional flow mixer (EFM) and masterbatch method (MB). The rheological behavior, mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties were investigated to compare material behavior of the MCC-filled PE composites and to evaluate the dispersive mixing efficiency. The composite samples prepared using a single pass method in SSE had relatively larger storage moduli (G′) while those from the TSE and SSE + EFM were smaller. The complex viscosities (η*) of composites with processed using EFM was higher than that of neat PE, indicating better dispersion of the MCC.MCC-filled PE composites processed with EFM showed higher tan delta compared to those of composites. In general, MCC-filled PE composites from the EFM process showed higher viscosity compared to all other composites at all shear rates. The EFM method improved flexural properties more than the other processing methods. The effect of EFM on impact strength of the composites was improved with coupling agent. Addition of MCC, couple agent, and different mixing methods did not significantly affect the thermal properties of the MCC-filled PE composites.

Role of Polymeric Excipients in the Stabilization of Olanzapine when Exposed to Aqueous Environments.

Hydrate formation is a phase transition which can occur during manufacturing processes involving water. This work considers the prevention of hydration of anhydrous olanzapine and hydrate conversions in the presence of water and polymers (polyethyleneglycol; hydroxypropylcellulose; polyvinylpyrrolidone) in forming pellets by wet extrusion and spheronisation. Anhydrous olanzapine was added to water with or without those polymers prior to extrusion with microcrystalline cellulose. Assessment of olanzapine conversion was made by XRP-Diffraction; FTIR spectroscopy; calorimetry (DSC) and microscopy (SEM for crystal size and shape). The addition of water converted the anhydrous form into dihydrate B and higher hydrate; whereas polyethyleneglycol promoted a selective hydrate conversion into the higher hydrate olanzapine form. Both polyvinylpyrrolidone and hydroxypropylcellulose prevented the hydrate transformations of the anhydrous drug; the latter even in the presence of hydrate seeds. This may be explained by the higher H-bond ability; higher network association and higher hydrophobicity of hydroxypropylcellulose by comparison with polyethyleneglycol and polyvinylpyrrolidone; which could contribute to its higher affinity to the crystal surfaces of the hydrate nuclei/initial crystals and promoting steric hindrance to the incorporation of other drug molecules into the crystal lattice; thus, preventing the crystal growth. The addition of microcrystalline cellulose needed for the pellets production (final product) did not eliminate the protector effect of both hydroxypropylcellulose and polyvinylpyrrolidone during pellets’ processing and dissolution evaluation.

Influence of microcrystalline cellulose on the microrheological property and freeze-thaw stability of soybean protein hydrolysate stabilized curcumin emulsion

The impact of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) on the physical stability, microrheological property and freeze-thaw stability of papain hydrolysate of soybean isolate protein (SPIH) stabilized curcumin emulsion was studied. Curcumin emulsions were prepared by Microfluidizer containing SPIH and various concentrations of MCC. The curcumin emulsions were assessed by zeta potential, average particle size through dynamic light scattering technique (DLS), stability index by Turbiscan and microrheological behavior through diffusive wave spectroscopy (DWS) technique. With addition of MCC, the negative charge of the droplets was increased, which indicated that the negatively charged fraction from MCC interacted with the protein at the interface. An increase in droplet size and decrease in TSI were noted with increasing MCC concentration. It demonstrated that enough MCC changed microrheological property of curcumin emulsions from purely viscous to viscoelastic over the range of decorrelation times, indicating that the droplets were not free to move due to the droplets network interaction. Freeze-thaw stability analysis demonstrated that MCC brought about a remarkable improvement, which can be attributed to the enhancement of repulsive steric forces between the curcumin droplets. It demonstrated that combined enzymatic hydrolysate of protein and addition of polysaccharide MCC could be an effective method for protecting bioactive compound in emulsions.

Insights into the nucleation role of cellulose crystals during crystallization of poly(β-hydroxybutyrate)

Cellulose crystals, including microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), were used as the fillers to prepare green composites with poly(β-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) by melt mixing for crystallization study. The results reveal that the spherulite morphology of PHB and its composites depends highly on the crystallization temperature, evolving from bundle shaped to ring-banded and finally to irregular or zigzag textures with increase of temperature. However, the ring-banded structure is strongly affected by the presence of cellulose crystals, and the average band space decreases evidently with the addition of MCC or NCC. Compared with PHB/MCC composite, PHB/NCC composite shows degraded spherulite structure with smaller band space and higher flocculation level of peak-to-valley height because of stronger unbalanced stresses in this system. Besides, cellulose crystals can act as good heterogeneous nucleating agent to accelerate the crystallization of PHB, which is further confirmed by the polarized optical microscopy observations and the kinetic analyses.

Structure, morphology and mechanical behaviour of novel bio-based polyurethane composites with microcrystalline cellulose

The aim of this work was to obtain bio-based polyurethane composites using biocomponents such as, bio-glycol, modified natural oil-based polyol, and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The prepolymer method was used to prepare the bio-based polyurethane matrix. Prepolymer synthesised from 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and a polyol mixture containing 75 wt% commercial polyether and 25 wt% hydroxylated soybean oils (H3) was later subjected to chain extension polymerization with bio-1,3-propanediol acting as a chain extender . Different composites were produced by dispersing 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt% of microcrystalline cellulose powder in the polyurethane matrix. The polymerization reaction was catalyzed with 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. The influence of MCC content on the structure and the mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of the obtained bio-based polyurethane composites was investigated. The FTIR analysis demonstrated that the addition of MCC did not significantly change the chemical structure of the obtained composites. The SEM images showed good interfacial adhesion between the bio-filler and the partially bio-based matrix of the composites. The results of thermo-mechanical analysis demonstrated that the application of MCC filler affected the storage and loss moduli. The tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with increasing MCC content. Moreover, the addition of MCC improved the hardness of the obtained environmentally friendly materials.

Chitosan/Cellulose/Halloysite Membranes Produced Using Solvent Casting Method

Polymer biocomposites have attracted a lot of attention due to the increasing requirements for biomaterials to replace conventional materials. This replacement is due to the remarkable properties of biomaterials, including their biocompatibility, biodegradability and non-toxicity. Chitosan (CS) is a renowned abundantly-available biopolymer that is furnished with such properties. However chitosan is known to be unstable in acidic conditions, and it has fairly low mechanical strength and requires further improvement for various applications. This study aims to improve the properties of chitosan by making composites of CS reinforced with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). These composites were prepared through solvent casting method and were investigated for their mechanical, chemical and morphological properties. The mechanical testing results showed that the CS/MCC membranes had the best mechanical properties, with a tensile strength (σ) of 79.98±8.12 MPa and a Young's modulus (E) of 2.44±0.21 GPa. Scanning electron micrographs confirmed that the high mechanical strength of CS/MCC membranes is attributed to better dispersion of MCC in chitosan. Infrared spectroscopy compared the chemical interactions between the main functional groups of the matrix and fillers. A surface wettability test was performed and revealed that chitosan membranes reinforced with 10 (w/w%) of CMC had the lowest (88.45°) and chitosan membrane with 5 (w/w%) HNT and 5 (w/w%) had the highest contact angle (130.83°). Addition of both CMC and MCC led to an improvement of the mechanical properties over the pure chitosan membrane, which was attributed to a significant interaction between chitosan and cellulose through hydrogen bonding.

Effects of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as fat replacers on the microstructure and sensory characteristics of fried beef patties

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) or carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) can be used as potential fat replacers; both are non-digestible fibers. The objective of this study was, therefore, to assess the impact of added CMC/MCC on the microstructural/functional characteristics of beef patties. Therefore, low-fat beef patties were formulated with CMC/MCC at concentrations of 0.5–3.0 wt%. For this formulation, 10 wt% of the ground beef was replaced using a dispersion of CMC or MCC in water. The influence of the addition of MCC and CMC on the sensory characteristics, such as the texture, color, taste, flavor, and juiciness, of fried beef patties was evaluated by using a hedonic scale from 0 to 10 (5 = optimal). The confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) measurements and sensory evaluation all indicated that addition of CMC (>1 wt%) led to destabilization of the microstructure, sensory quality and texture of fried beef patties, which, upon heating, could no longer be converted into a protein network with coarse meat and fat particles, a fact that was also revealed in the CLSM images. By contrast, the CLSM images prove that MCC was highly compatible with the matrix and improved the texture in the sensory evaluation with increasing concentration compared to the control. The best sensory evaluation achieved was with the beef patties containing 2 wt% MCC. Generally, hot samples containing MCC had more juiciness than the control and had a fat-like mouthfeel. Contrarily, CMC is not suitable as a fat replacer in concentrations more than 0.5 wt%.

Development and characterization of hybrid materials based on biodegradable PLA matrix, microcrystalline cellulose and organophilic silica

The goal of this work was to investigate the production and properties of hybrid materials based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA), employing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and organophilic silica (R972) as fillers. The composites were obtained by solution casting to form films. Each nanoparticle was incorporated at 3 wt. %, relative to the polymer matrix. In this experiment, four films were obtained (PLA, PLA/MCC, PLA/R972 and PLA/MCC/R972). The films properties were evaluated by X-ray diffractometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and mechanical properties. The results showed that each nanoparticle, added individually or both combined, had different effect on the final properties of the films. Microcrystalline cellulose can act as nucleating agent for the crystallization of PLA. Silica promoted an increase in rigidity, due to the strong intermolecular forces, while MCC addition promoted an increase in the molecular mobility of the polymeric chains. The PLA/MCC/R972 film showed the highest crystallinity degree and tensile modulus. This film presented a T1H value between both values found for PLA/MCC and PLA/R972 films. The results indicated that silica R972 could promote a decrease of the surface tension between PLA and cellulose.

Application of microcrystalline cellulose to fabricate ZnO with enhanced photocatalytic activity

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), deriving from naturally renewable biomass resources, has been used to fabricate nanocrystalline ZnO materials via a facile hydrothermal method. XRD analysis results indicate that the obtained ZnO crystallite possess hexagonal wurtzite structure. Its morphology was measured by SEM, showing slice clusters and flowers. Comparatively, ZnO of irregular slices was prepared when no MCC was added in the synthetic route. ZnO synthesized with and without MCC behaves quite different photocatalytic activity. It is found that photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO prepared by 1g MCC on degrading methylene blue reaches 98.3% under UV irradiation (power of 6W). This is higher than the catalytic efficiency of both the ZnO prepared without MCC addition and of the commercial Degussa P25. Simultaneously, the as-prepared ZnO also exhibits excellent reusable ability. No obvious abatement is observed after the catalyst is re-used for 5 cycles. Taken together high photocatalytic and re-used efficiency, we anticipate that our controllable, environment-friendly and cost-effective approach can be applied to synthesize ZnO catalytic materials on a large scale.

Biodegradable Plastics Prepared from Poly(lactic acid), Poly(butylene succinate) and Microcrystalline Cellulose Extracted from Waste-Cotton Fabric with a Chain Extender

This study aimed to improve the brittleness and thermal stability of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) by inclusion of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Of the three PLA/PBS blends (10, 30 and 50 wt% PBS) evaluated, the 70/30 wt% blend exhibited the highest impact strength and elongation at break, but a lower thermal stability compared to that of the pure PLA. Scanning electron microscopy analysis confirmed the better compatibility of this 70/30 PLA/PBS blend. This blend was further filled with MCC. Based on thermogravimetric analysis, the thermal stability of the 70/30 PLA/PBS blend was improved by the addition of MCC [optimal at five parts by weight per hundred (phr)] and further still by the addition of the chain extender, Joncryl™, at 0.5 phr. The 70/30/5/0.5 PLA/PBS/MCC/Joncryl™ composite exhibited the highest impact strength, while the elongation at break was acceptable.

Controlling water permeability of composite films of polylactide acid, cellulose, and xyloglucan

ABSTRACTTo test the hypothesis that the introduction of a hydrophilic hemicellulose would affect viscoelastic properties and increase water permeability, xyloglucan (XG) was adsorbed onto the surface of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in water dispersion prior to the extrusion of 79–80 wt % polylactide acid (PLA), 20 wt % MCC, and 0–1 wt % XG. For comparison, composites of PLA, MCC, and non‐absorbed XG were produced. Analysis of thermal properties showed no differences for glass‐transition or melting temperatures, but the crystallinity of the films increased with the addition of MCC and XG. Storage modulus of the composite materials increased with XG content; however, at higher humidities storage modulus decreased, probably because of lower interfacial adhesion. Water permeability through the films increased more with the addition of XG adsorbed to the MCC than with the MCC and XG simply mixed in the same amounts. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Applied Polymer Science Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41219.

Self-humidifying membrane electrode assembly prepared by adding microcrystalline cellulose in anode catalyst layer as preserve moisture

A novel self-humidifying membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) with the addition of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as a hygroscopic agent into anode catalyst layer was prepared to improve the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) under low humidity conditions. The MEAs were characterized by SEM, contact angles and water uptake measurements. The MEAs with addition of MCC exhibit excellent self-humidifying single cell performance, the cell temperature for self-humidification running is up to 60 °C. As an optimized MEA with 4 wt.％ MCC in its anode catalyst layer, its current density at 0.6 V could be up to 760 mA cm−2 under 20% of relative humidity, and remains at 680 mA cm−2 after 22 h long time continuous testing, the attenuation of the current density is only 10%. While the current density of the blank MEA without addition of MCC degraded sharply from 300 mA cm−2 to 110 mA cm−2, the attenuation of the current density is high up to 70% within 2 h.

Studies on Melt Processable Biocomposites of Polylactic Acid

Melt processable microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)/poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites were successfully prepared by twin-screw extrusion. Several characterization techniques were used to investigate the effect of MCC on rheological behavior, morphology, crystallization and melting behavior of the PLA and structure–property correlation of the MCC/PLA composites has been established. Rheological measurements showed that the addition of MCC has a dramatic influence on the low frequency relaxations of PLA chains and above 5 % of MCC, it forms percolated network structure. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis showed that MCC acted as nucleating agent enhancing crystallization below the percolation concentration. Properties of MCC/PLA composites have been compared with that of talc and CaCO3 filled composites. Talc is found to be more effective in crystallizing PLA than MCC and CaCO3. MCC/PLA composites are found be melt processable like that of talc and CaCO3 filled PLA composites.