Applications Of Cellulose Fibers Research Articles

Assessment of fibers from different part of the Calotropis gigantea biomass as a filler of composites foam PVA/PVP

This research explores the extraction and application of cellulose fibers from various parts of plants, specifically young and old stems, as well as seed/fruit skins. The primary focus was on the effective removal of lignin and other extraneous compounds to enhance the properties of cellulose fibers for their subsequent use as fillers in the production of porous composites. These composites were evaluated for their responsiveness to ammonia vapor through a color change test, indicating their potential as intelligent, environmentally friendly packaging materials. The cellulose fibers were isolated through a two-stage process involving delignification using 20 % sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and bleaching with a 5 % hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 3.8 % NaOH mixture. These fibers were then characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffractometry (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The analysis revealed that fibers extracted from the younger stem bark exhibited superior characteristics, notably in their crystallinity index (CI), which was 5.16 % higher than that of fibers from other plant parts. Surface morphological studies indicated that the cellulose fibers derived from CG plants possess a hollow shape. When used as fillers, these fibers contributed to the enhanced porosity of polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVA/PVP) composites. SEM analysis further demonstrated that the inclusion of fibers with higher degrees of crystallinity significantly increased the composites' porosity. Additionally, composites immobilized with anthocyanins from the Butterfly Pea Flower (BPF) exhibited a notable colorimetric response to environmental pH changes. Thermogravimetric analysis suggested that incorporating these fibers into the composite matrix improves thermal stability. The study's findings underscore the potential of these porous composites as colorimetric indicators, paving the way for their application in smart, eco-friendly packaging solutions.

SiO2 cryogel – cellulose composite thin layer

This study proposed the preparation of light, thin insulating composite layers from potential biocompatible components such as highly porous silica cryogels and cellulose fibers. One of the novelties in this work is the application of cellulose fibers as matrix, and the silica cryogel particles provide the reinforcing phase. The synthesis of silica cryogel was carried out by means of sol-gel chemistry and freeze drying process. The function of additives (NaOH, carbamide, hydroxyethyl cellulose) was to create connections between the components in the composites. The study extended to the investigation of chemical compositions, the time of treatment, as well as the measurements of the dust loss, thermal conductivity, and the adhesion of composites to the various substrates. The bond system of composites was controlled by FTIR, the morphology by SEM. The composites can be characterised by excellent thermal insulation properties (0.048 W/(m⋅K), very low dust loss (0.01 w/w%), and good adhesion to various surfaces.

Recrystallization behavior of cellulose III from hydrothermal treatment: the dynamic variations of polymorphs and crystallinities

The application of cellulose fibers with varieties of allomorphs is of much interest. However, the crystal structural changes of certain allomorphs during the wet chemistry process are often ignored. In this work, the recrystallization behavior of softwood pulp cellulose IIII back to cellulose Iβ with tg conformation by hydrothermal treatment at different temperatures is carefully evaluated and calculated. The treatment contributed to the distortion of crystallites and lower crystallinity including the formation of intermediate amorphous phase at 60 °C. Higher hydrothermal temperature (100 °C) resulted in the reversion to cellulose I (59.7%) as well as retention of 12.5% of cellulose III, suggesting the uncompleted recrystallization during the process. With the loosened fibril structure and more amorphous regions, the thermal stability of recrystallized cellulose I is significantly dropped, far below that of original cellulose I/III materials. This study may provide new thoughts on the industrial processing and application of the polymorphic cellulose materials.

Utilization of hydrophilic cellulose fibers for preparation of plaster with enhanced moisture control capability

The relative humidity is one of the most important parameters having a substantial impact on ambient climate comfort. The negative effects induced by undesired levels of relative humidity in building interiors are related not only to a deterioration of materials but also to a potential health risk for building occupants. In the recent paper, a traditional lime plaster is modified by biomass fly ash and hydrophilic cellulose fiber admixture to improve material durability and provide material with enhanced capability for the moderation of ambient relative humidity. Within the experimental analysis, the basic material properties, as well as mechanical strength of designed plaster, is determined. The moisture buffer potential of all designed plasters is evaluated according to the Nordtest test procedure. Obtained results show that the application of cellulose fibers has a synergic effect on both improvements of the potential of studied plaster for passive adjustment of interior relative humidity and mechanical strength.

The Possibilities of Application of Cellulose Fibers in Cement Composites, Monitoring the Properties

Application of cellulose fibers in cement composites is one of the possibilities for achieving better utility properties of these composites. This article presents findings of experimental works concerned on increasing the resistance of cement composites to high temperatures. Properties of cement composites with the addition of cellulose fibers Greencel were observed. Rheological properties of fresh composite, mechanical properties and changes of properties after heat load were evaluated. The best mechanical properties showed the samples with technical cellulose, namely with the fiber G-55T and G-700T. The process of cellulose fiber degradation at high temperatures was documented. The process of carbonization of cellulose fibers leads to the creation of pore system, which enables to increase the resistance of cement composites to high temperatures.

Modification and application of cellulose fibers for the transport of carbonate ions

The chemical modification of cellulose fiber with tartaric acid, 1,10-phenanthroline and magnesium salt has been done. The metal organic frame work chemically attached to polymer fiber is used to explore the transport of carbonate ions. The different parameters such as loading effect of tartaric acid, magnesium metal ion and 1,10-phenanthroline (0–2.5 mmol/g range) over cellulose fiber was studied for the transport of carbonate ions. The transport of carbonate, sulfate and nitrate ions through modified cellulose fibers (fiber-supported solid membrane) was investigated in the molar concentration. In order to check the adsorptive reactive transport of CO2, the transport of carbonate ions with/without bubbling of CO2 (0–10 mL/min) in the source phase was explored in the receiving phase. The chemical modification of cellulose fiber with tartaric acid, 1,10-phenanthroline and magnesium salt was done. The loading effect of tartaric acid, magnesium metal ion and 1,10-phenanthroline (0–2.5 mmol/g range) over cellulose fiber was studied for the transport of carbonate ions. The selective transport of carbonate, sulfate and nitrate ions was investigated.