Addition Of Nanocrystalline Cellulose Research Articles

Preparation and mechanism analysis of nanocrystalline cellulose-tricalcium silicate paste composite with high electromagnetic transmission performance

The tricalcium silicate (C3S) paste with high electromagnetic transmission performance is prepared by addition of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), and the enhancement mechanism of electromagnetic transmission performance is revealed. The water to cement ratio (W/C) and the contents of NCC are 0.5 and 1 wt%-4wt%, respectively. The results show that the electromagnetic transmissivity of the C3S paste improves with an increase in NCC content. At the frequency of 3.94 GHz, when the NCC contents are 3 wt% and 4 wt%, the electromagnetic transmission coefficient increases by 113.85% and 153.6%, respectively. The enhancement mechanisms of electromagnetic transmission performance of NCC-C3S pastes are as follows: (1) the polymerization degree of C–S–H and the Van der Waals force between the globules increase; (2) the total volume proportions of low electromagnetic loss C3S and Ca(OH)2 increase; (3) the conductivity of C3S pore solution and the volume proportions of water decrease; (4) the pore volume proportion of the non-harmful pores for electromagnetic energy loss increases.

Usage of nanocrystalline cellulose as a novel cryoprotective substance for the Nemipterus virgatus surimi during frozen storage.

Using a novel natural cryoprotectant to maintain better quality of frozen aquatic products is attracting increasing interests in recent years. This study investigated the cryoprotective effects of bamboo shoot nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) on Nemipterus virgatus surimi during 60days of frozen storage. Compared with surimi without any cryoprotectant, NCC addition significantly retard the quick decrease of salt soluble protein content, Ca2+-ATPase activity and sulfhydryl content of myofibrillar protein. SDS-PAGE results suggested that NCC could protect the structural integrity of myofibrillar protein, which was confirmed by the enhanced stability of α-helix content of protein. It was also observed that surimi gel incorporated with NCC showed improved gel strength and a more compact microstructure with dense surfaces. This study demonstrated that NCC could potentially serve as a novel natural cryoprotectant for the surimi.

Optimization of Biocomposite Film Based on Whey Protein Isolate and Nanocrystalline Cellulose from Pineapple Crown Leaf Using Response Surface Methodology.

This study employed response surface methodology to optimize the preparation of biocomposites based on whey protein isolate, glycerol, and nanocrystalline cellulose from pineapple crown leaf. The effects of different concentrations of nanocrystalline cellulose as a filler and glycerol as a plasticizer on the thickness, the tensile strength, and the elongation at break on the resulting biocomposite films were investigated. The central composite design was used to determine the optimum preparation conditions for biocomposite films with optimum properties. The regression of a second-order polynomial model resulted in an optimum composition consisting of 4% glycerol and 3.5% nanocrystalline cellulose concentrations, which showed a desirability of 92.7%. The prediction of the regression model was validated by characterizing the biocomposite film prepared based on the optimum composition, at which the thickness, tensile strength, and elongation at break of the biocomposite film were 0.13 mm, 7.16 MPa, and 39.10%, respectively. This optimum composition can be obtained in range concentrations of glycerol (4–8%) and nanocrystalline cellulose (3–7%). Scanning electron microscope images showed that nanocrystalline cellulose dispersed well in the pure whey protein isolate, and the films had a relatively smooth surface. In comparison, a rough and uneven surface results in more porous biocomposite films. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that nanocrystalline cellulose and glycerol showed good compatibility with WPI film by forming hydrogen bonds. The addition of nanocrystalline cellulose as a filler also decreased the transparency, solubility, and water vapor permeability and increased the crystallinity index of the resulting biocomposite film.

Properties of Biocomposite Film Based on Whey Protein Isolate Filled with Nanocrystalline Cellulose from Pineapple Crown Leaf.

Among the main bio-based polymer for food packaging materials, whey protein isolate (WPI) is one of the biopolymers that have excellent film-forming properties and are environmentally friendly. This study was performed to analyse the effect of various concentrations of bio-based nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) extracted from pineapple crown leaf (PCL) on the properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) films using the solution casting technique. Six WPI films were fabricated with different loadings of NCC from 0 to 10 % w/v. The resulting films were characterised based on their mechanical, physical, chemical, and thermal properties. The results show that NCC loadings increased the thickness of the resulting films. The transparency of the films decreased at higher NCC loadings. The moisture content and moisture absorption of the films decreased with the presence of the NCC, being lower at higher NCC loadings. The water solubility of the films decreased from 92.2% for the pure WPI to 65.5% for the one containing 10 % w/v of NCC. The tensile strength of the films peaked at 7% NCC loading with the value of 5.1 MPa. Conversely, the trend of the elongation at break data was the opposite of the tensile strength. Moreover, the addition of NCC produced a slight effect of NCC in FTIR spectra of the WPI films using principal component analysis. NCC loading enhanced the thermal stability of the WPI films, as shown by an increase in the glass transition temperature at higher NCC loadings. Moreover, the morphology of the films turned rougher and more heterogeneous with small particle aggregates in the presence of the NCC. Overall, the addition of NCC enhanced the water barrier and mechanical properties of the WPI films by incorporating the PCL-based NCC as the filler.

Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of Poly(vinyl) Alcohol Nanocomposites Reinforced with Nanocrystalline Cellulose from Tea (Camellia sinensis) Waste.

The purpose of this study was to utilize cellulose from tea waste as nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), which is used as a filler in poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) nanocomposites. To obtain the NCC, a chemical process was conducted in the form of alkali treatment, followed by bleaching and hydrolysis. Nanocomposites were formed by mixing PVA with various NCC suspensions. With chemical treatment, lignin and hemicellulose can be removed from the tea waste to obtain NCC. This can be seen in the functional groups of cellulose and the increase in crystallinity. The NCC had a mean diameter of 6.99 ± 0.50 nm. Furthermore, the addition of NCC to the PVA nanocomposite influenced the properties of the nanocomposites. This can be seen in the general increase in opacity value, thermal and mechanical properties, and crystallinity, as well as the decrease in the value of the swelling ratio after adding NCC. This study has revealed that NCC from tea waste can be used to improve the physicochemical properties of PVA film.

Ultraviolet light exposure degradation effect on the properties of nanocrystalline cellulose-reinforced polyvinyl alcohol composite film

PVA used in packaging applications has been faced with a UV light degradation challenge, which often reduces its durability while in use. The UV light stability enhancement effect of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) reinforcement in PVA was studied. Polyvinyl alcohol composite film was reinforced with NCC from palm oil waste (PVA-NCC film) and exposed to UV light (22 W, SUV-16 254 nm) for different time duration to study the material durability enhancement. The percentage weight loss of the samples was measured to observe the UV light degradation effect. Furthermore, the samples’ structural, morphological, and tensile properties were studied before and after exposure to UV light with FT-IR, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and tensile test. The results showed physical degradation, morphological and tensile properties enhancement of PVA with NCC’s addition. The addition of NCC to the PVA matrix reduced the degradation rate under UV light significantly. Also, the percentage of weight loss was observed to change with the exposure time to UV light.

Fabrication and Characterization of PLA/Nanocrystalline Cellulose Nanocomposite Filaments for 3D Printing Application

3D process is an additive manufacturing process widely used due to its low cost, high production rates, and ease process. One of the thermoplastic materials commonly used is polylactic acid (PLA). However, PLA has some weakness including low strength and thermal stability. To improve these properties, the addition of the reinforcement materials into the pure PLA must be done and nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) is one of the potential reinforcement materials. The influence of NCC addition on the tensile and thermal properties of PLA/NCC nanocomposite filament was investigated. NCC was isolated from the ramie fibers using sulphuric acid hydrolysis. Dried NCC powder and PLA pellets were hand-mixed with different NCC concentrations of 0, 1, 3, and 5 wt%. The filament was prepared using a single-screw extruder machine at 185°C under the constant speed. It was found that the diameter of the filament was lower than that of the nozzle of the extrusion machine. The addition of 1 wt% of NCC into the pure PLA increased the tensile strength by 19.04% (from 48.41 to 57.63 MPa) and elastic modulus by 13.47% (from 1791.62 to 2033.07 MPa). The addition of NCC more than 1 wt% decreased the tensile strength and elastic modulus. The optimum NCC loading was achieved at 1 wt%. The presence of NCC had no a significant effect on the thermal stability of the pure PLA.

Incorporation of thermally labile additives in polyimide carbon membrane for hydrogen separation

In this study, three thermally labile additives microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were introduced to the P84-copolyimide (PI) solution. PI-based carbon tubular membranes were fabricated using dip-coating method, followed by sample characterizations in order to determine their structural morphologies, thermal stability and gas permeation performance. NCC was added as the membrane pore former for the hydrogen gas (H2) separation. While tests involving pure H2 and N2 permeation were carried out at room temperature, carbon membranes were carbonized at a final temperature of 800 °C, with the heating rate of 3 °C/min under the Ar flow. Excellent result of H2/N2 selectivity was obtained with value of 430.06 ± 4.16. Addition of NCC has significantly increased the number of pore channels in the membrane, hence, contributing to high gas permeance and selectivity. NCC has shown potential as a good additive for an enhanced hydrogen separation performance.

The effect of nanocrystalline cellulose and TEMPO-oxidized nanocellulose on the compatibility of polypropylene/cyclic natural rubber blends

The effect of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) and nanofiber cellulose (NFC) was estimated as a means of reinforcing and compatibilizing agent of polypropylene/ cyclic natural rubber (PP/CNR) blend in terms of mechanical and thermal properties. The morphological effect of NCC and NFC on the PP/CNR blend property was determined through several characterization techniques, i.e. SEM, contact and TGA/DTG. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that the addition of NCC and NFC became more homogenous than without the addition of nanocellulose. The improvement of nanocomposites was also observed on the result of interphase surface tension and thermal stability. This improvement was assumed as the result of physically/ chemically interaction of nanocellulose with the backbone of PP and CNR, in which the nanocellulose can be imagined acting as a bridge to link the PP and CNR’s backbone.

WITHDRAWN: Preparation and characterization of polyimide carbon membrane concerning thermally labile additives for hydrogen separation performance

Abstract In this study, thermally labile additives, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were introduced to the P84-copolyimide (PI) solution. The dip-coating method was used to fabricate PI-based carbon tubular membranes, followed by several characterizations in order to determine their structural morphology, thermal stability and gas permeation performance. NCC was added as the membrane pore former for the hydrogen gas (H2) separation. The addition of NCC had significantly increased the pore channels in the membrane, hence, contributing to high gas permeance and selectivity. Tests involving pure H2 and N2 permeation were carried out at room temperature. Carbon membranes that were carbonized at a final temperature of 800 C, with the heating rate of 3 °C/min under the Ar flow had achieved excellent H2/N2 selectivity of 434.68 ± 1.39, hence, proving the potential of NCC as a good additive.

Mechanical and thermal characterization of polypropylene-reinforced nanocrystalline cellulose nanocomposites

This article addresses the effect of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) on the mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene (PP). A new approach was adopted to produce mechanically improved and thermally stable PP-NCC nanocomposite. This approach involved producing optimized PP-NCC nanocomposite by adding NCC nanoparticles to PP matrix at different concentrations by means of injection molding process. The aim of this work was to find the optimum NCC concentration to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of the PP matrix. The mechanical and thermal behavior of PP-NCC nanocomposite was studied by performing three-point bend, nanoindentation, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy tests. The results showed that the mechanical properties of strength, modulus, and hardness of the nanocomposites increased with the addition of NCC by 6.5%, 19%, and 150%, respectively. DSC results showed that the addition of NCC to PP does not affect the thermal stability (melting temperature). However, TGA showed that upon inclusion of NCC nanoparticles, the thermal stability of the samples improved compared to pure PP except for the 5% added NCC. This is attributed to the presence of NCC rod-like particles that dissipated heat by generating tortuous paths, as depicted in the SEM results and verified by FTIR results.

Bio nanocomposites based on cationic starch reinforced with montmorillonite and cellulose nanocrystals: Fundamental properties and biodegradability study

The bio-nanocomposites of cationic starch (CS)/montmorillonite (MMT)/nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) were produced by solution casting method. The effects of NCC and MMT nanoparticles on optical, barrier and mechanical properties of CS films were investigated. X-ray diffraction results confirmed the partly intercalated and partly exfoliated structure of CS/MMT/NCC films. The FTIR test showed the forming of new hydrogen bonds between the CS hydroxyl groups and nanoparticles. FESEM analysis proved that the dispersion of NCC and MMT in the CS matrix is homogenous. The optical clarity of CS based films was almost unaffected in presence of MMT and NCC. The ternary nanocomposites with 5 wt% NCC and MMT showed the best improvements in the properties. The tensile strength and the tensile modulus of nanocomposites increased up to 61% and 73% respectively, compared to the pure CS film. The nanocomposites demonstrated highest disintegrability rate and good reduction in water vapor and oxygen permeability with addition of NCC.

PI/NCC Carbon Membrane: Effect of Additives loading Towards Hydrogen Separation

Incorporating thermally labile polymer-based additives is a facile and practical approach in developing superior carbon membranes. In this study, three different thermally labile polymers, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), were introduced separately to P84-copolyimide (PI) solution as additive and their impact on membrane performance were investigated. Firstly, NCC was added as the membrane pore former for hydrogen gas (H2) separation. The addition of NCC significantly increased pore channels in the membrane, hence contributed to high gas permeance and selectivity. The tests involving pure H2 and N2 permeation were carried out at room temperature. Carbon membranes carbonized at a final temperature of 800°C with the heating rate of 3°C/min under Ar flow achieved the greatest H2/N2 selectivity of 434.68±1.39, hence proving the potential of NCC as a good additive.

Mechanical and thermal characterization of grafted PP-NCC nanocomposites

This study reveals the enhancement of mechanical and thermal properties of maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (PP- g-MA) with the addition of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). A nanocomposite was manufactured by blending various percentages of PP, MA, and NCC nanoparticles by means of a twin-screw extruder. The influence of varying the percentages of NCC on the mechanical and thermal behavior of the nanocomposite was studied by performing three-point bending, nanoindentation, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy tests. The novelty of this study stems on the NCC nanoparticles and their ability to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of PP. Three-point bending and nanoindentation tests revealed improvement in the mechanical properties in terms of strength, modulus, and hardness of the PP- g-MA nanocomposites as the addition of NCC increased. SEM showed homogeneity between the mixtures which proved the presence of interfacial adhesion between the PP- g-MA incorporated with NCC nanoparticles that was confirmed by the FTIR results. DSC and TGA measurements showed that the thermal stability of the nanocomposites was not compromised due to the addition of the coupling agent and reinforced nanoparticles.

Adipic Acid Crosslinked Nanocrystalline Cellulose/Chitosan Composite: Tensile Properties and Crystallinity

In the present study, empty fruit bunch derived nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was prepared and employed as a reinforcing agent to improve the tensile properties of the chitosan composites. Adipic acid was added as a crosslinker. The incorporation of NCC has greatly improved the tensile properties of composites. The crosslinking reaction has further improved the tensile properties. 3 wt% NCC/chitosan composites displayed the highest tensile strength which is 48.7MPa and 65.3 MPa without and with the addition of crosslinker respectively. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the crystalline peak of chitosan composites was significantly improved by the addition of NCC however the crystallinity peak was decreased by the incorporation of adipic acid.

Dispersion and Rheological Properties of Aqueous Graphene Suspensions in Presence of Nanocrystalline Cellulose

The possibility and feasibility of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) for dispersing hydrophobic graphene in aqueous solutions were studied in the present work. The dispersion properties of graphene particles in aqueous media as a function of various amounts of NCC were investigated. The rheological behavior of NCC-dispersed graphene suspensions was studied, and a polynomial model was proposed and employed to simulate the obtained shear flow of graphene suspensions. The results of UV–Vis analysis and sedimentation test suggested that the increased NCC addition significantly led to the improved dispersion properties of graphene suspensions. Rheological behavior measurements demonstrated that graphene suspensions exhibited a reduction trend in the shear viscosity, shear stress, and viscoelasticity with the increased amount of NCC addition. Meanwhile, the shear viscosity and shear stress of graphene suspensions were found to show a dependency on the process temperature. The above results supported the conclusion that NCC is a promising candidate for improving the dispersion and flowability of graphene in aqueous media.

Physical properties of sago starch biocomposite filled with Nanocrystalline Cellulose (NCC) from rattan biomass: the effect of filler loading and co-plasticizer addition

Rattan biomass is an abundant bioresources from processing industry of rattan which contains 37.6% cellulose. The high cellulose contents of rattan biomass make it a source of nanocrystalline cellulose as a filler in biocomposites. Isolation of alpha cellulose from rattan biomass was being prepared by using three stages: delignification, alkalization, and bleaching. It was delignificated with 3.5% HNO3 and NaNO2, precipitated with 17.5% NaOH, bleaching process with 10% H2O2. Nanocrystal obtained through the hydrolysis of alpha cellulose using 45% H2SO4 and followed by mechanical steps of ultrasonication, centrifugation, and filtration with a dialysis membrane. Biocomposite was being prepared by using a solution casting method, which includes 1–4 wt% nanocrystalline cellulose from rattan biomass as fillers, 10-40 wt% acetic acid as co-plasticizer and 30 wt% glycerol as plasticizer. The biocomposite characteristic consists of density, water absorption, and water vapors transmission rate. The results showed the highest density values was 0.266 gram/cm3 obtained at an additional of 3 wt% nanocrystalline cellulose from rattan biomass and 30 wt% acetic acid. The lowest water absorption was 9.37% at an additional of 3 wt% nanocrystalline cellulose from rattan biomass and 10 wt% acetic acid. It was observed by the addition of nanocrystalline cellulose might also decrease the rate of water vapor transmission that compared to the non-filler biocomposite.

Isolation of nanocrystalline cellulose from rice straw and preparation of its biocomposites with chitosan: Physicochemical characterization and evaluation of interfacial compatibility

In order to develop high value-added rice straw residue biocomposites, nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) from rice straw and chitosan (CS) were used as two main raw materials, the CS/NCC biocomposites were prepared by an acid hydrolysis-ultrasonic treatment and blending casting. The physicochemical properties and evaluation of interfacial compatibility on CS/NCC biocomposites were characterized by TEM, ZP analyzer, UV-vis, FTIR, SEM, XRD, TG, DSC, electron mechanical instrument and water absorption testing. The results reveal that a uniform rod-like or filamentary structure of NCC from rice straw, with the width distribution concentrated on the range of 10–15 nm and several hundred nanometers in length, can be effectively obtained by a relatively high ultrasonic power treatment with the same acid hydrolysis conditions. The superior interfacial compatibility of CS/NCC biocomposites with excellent tensile strength can be achieved at 5% NCC addition level due to optimal dispersion of NCC, strong hydrogen bonding and potential electrostatic interactions between CS and NCC. Additionally the thermal stability and water absorption of biocomposites increase, while the transparency rate, elongation at break decrease as the increase of NCC addition amount from 0% to 20%.

Improving the cross‐linking degree of oxidized potato starch via addition of nanocrystalline cellulose

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) has attracted considerable interest in the starch modification field due to its biodegradability, renewability, and high biocompatibility. Here, oxidized potato starch was cross‐linked with sodium hexametaphosphate ((NaPO3)6) at different temperatures, pH values, and (NaPO3)6 and NCC concentrations. The bound phosphorus content and the substitution degree of the oxidized cross‐linked potato starch were measured to analyze the effect of NCC on the cross‐linking reaction. The structure of the oxidized cross‐linked potato starch was further analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The results showed that when (NaPO3)6 cross‐linked the starch, the addition of NCC promoted the cross‐linking reaction in the oxidized potato starch. In comparison to the native starch, the thermal stability of the oxidized cross‐linked starch was increased. Additionally, the cross‐linking reaction occurred mainly in the non‐crystalline region of the potato starch and only partly in the crystalline region due to degree of crystallinity decreasing. The optimum conditions for the oxidized potato starch cross‐linking reaction were 1.0 wt.% (NaPO3)6 and 5.0 wt.% NCC at 50°C and a pH of 10.5. Under these conditions, the bound phosphorus content of the potato starch increased by 4.87% compared to the same conditions without NCC addition. In summary, NCC is a good additive to improve the cross‐linking degree of oxidized potato starch.

Hemicellulose-Based Films Reinforced with Unmodified and Cationically Modified Nanocrystalline Cellulose

Hemicellulose-based composites have become promising candidates for eco-friendly packaging applications because of their biodegradability and cost-effectiveness. However, the inherently poor mechanical properties of hemicellulose-based composites largely hinder their potential for targeted application. Fortunately, nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), an eye-catching nanomaterial, may offer opportunities for addressing the above issue due to its outstanding mechanical properties and environmental friendliness. Herein, a comparative study was conducted on the effect of unmodified and cationically modified nanocrystalline cellulose (CNCC) on the overall properties of the as-prepared hemicelluloses (HC)/sorbitol (SB) films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image shows that the addition of CNCC imparted a relatively smooth surface to the obtained HC/SB films in comparison to NCC. Furthermore, CNCC reinforced HC/SB films exhibited improved thermal stability as compared to that with NCC. From rheological behavior evaluation, the presence of NCC, particularly CNCC, had an important effect on thickening HC/SB suspensions. The tensile stress of the composite films with 9% NCC and 9% CNCC was 9.18 and 10.44 MPa, respectively, which was increased by 14 and 30% in comparison to that of pure HC/SB film (8.05 MPa). The marked increase in elastic modulus as a function of the added NCC or CNCC was also identified. This result strongly supports the conclusion that the addition of NCC or CNCC was effective in improving the mechanical properties of HC/SB films.