Cellulosic Materials Research Articles

New insights in long-term alkaline degradation mechanism of cellulosic materials in radioactive waste

New insights in long-term alkaline degradation mechanism of cellulosic materials in radioactive waste

Preparation of Nitrocellulose Nanoparticles and Its Application in Ethyl Cellulose Film as a Reinforcing Agent

ABSTRACTEthyl cellulose (EC) films are biodegradable cellulose materials with a wide variety of possible applications because of their outstanding film‐forming qualities and customizable physicochemical characteristics. However, problems including low mechanical strength, poor chemical stability, and excessive usage of hazardous solvents limit their application in the industry. The use of nanofillers has been shown to be a tactic for improving ethyl cellulose's functioning to overcome these problems. In this study, nano‐sized aqueous dispersions of nitrocellulose (NC) with different nitrogen contents (13.1%, 12.6%, and 11.7%) were created using a solvent replacement technique that can eliminate organic solvents. The shape, chemical structure, thermal characteristics, moisture absorption, and mechanical performance of the composite films were all thoroughly examined utilizing SEM, FTIR, DSC, TGA, dynamic vapor sorption, and a universal testing apparatus. The activation energy of S‐NC(B)‐8 wt% was twice than the EC film, suggesting that the thermal disintegration temperature of the EC‐NC composite films was raised. The samples' mass loss was less than 6% following a 24‐h soak in water, indicating strong water resistance. The tensile strength of the EC‐NC composite films increased by up to 77% when compared to the EC film, which showed that the insertion of NC nanoparticles greatly increased the mechanical strength of the films.

Green synthesis of the functional bio-macromolecular composite film based on cellulose material for the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline: performance and mechanism.

Green synthesis of the functional bio-macromolecular composite film based on cellulose material for the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline: performance and mechanism.

Selective Oil Sorption Capacity of Compressed Cotton Nonwoven Mats Modified With Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer

ABSTRACTCellulose is a biodegradable, environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and renewable polymer. Thus, cellulosic materials are used to mitigate accidents related to oil spills on the surfaces of reservoirs. In this study, we present a material for the selective absorption of petroleum products. This material is based on a highly porous cellulose compressed mat modified with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and lauryl methacrylate (LMA) copolymers. Scanning electron microscopy shows that modification of cotton mats results in uniform defect‐free polymer coatings formed on the surfaces of fibers. The findings demonstrate that the modified material exhibits superhydrophobic and oleophilic properties, featuring water contact angles of up to 160°, water absorption of less than 1 g/g, and the capacity to absorb petroleum products of up to 40 g/g. The efficiency of petroleum product sorption is influenced by the materials free volume as well as the density and viscosity of the absorbed medium. The stability of the superhydrophobic state of modified materials after 24 h of exposure to aggressive media indicates the potential for using these materials in oil spill recovery from seawater.

Extraction, Preparation and Characterization of Nanocrystalline Cellulose from Lignocellulosic Simpor Leaf Residue

In this study, α-cellulose was extracted from lignocellulosic simpor leaf residue as a sustainable alternative to conventional cellulose sources. The extraction process involved the removal of hemicellulose, lignin, and other phytocompounds using alkali (NaOH) treatment and bleaching with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was isolated from α-cellulose using sulfuric acid hydrolysis treatment followed by ultrasonication. The extracted α-cellulose and isolated NCC were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The obtained results confirmed that the extracted NCC exhibited characteristic cellulose functional groups and a crystallinity index of 64.7%, indicating the effective removal of amorphous regions through sulfuric acid hydrolysis. The thermal stability of the extracted cellulose increased to 332 °C due to the elimination of extractives. DLS analysis showed that the extracted NCC exhibited high colloidal stability in polar solvents, characterized by a zeta potential of −70.8 mV and an average particle size of 251.7 nm. This study highlights an environmentally friendly approach for converting low-value biomass waste into high-value cellulose materials with potential applications in sustainable packaging, biomedical applications and composite reinforcement.

Antifungal Performance and Mechanisms of Carbon Quantum Dots in Cellulosic Materials.

Cellulosic materials, which are widely utilized in daily life, are highly susceptible to fungal degradation. However, commercial fungicides are usually toxic, posing severe threats to human health and the environment, highlighting the necessity of developing eco-friendly antifungal agents for cellulosic materials. In this work, we synthesized nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (CQDs) via a microwave-assisted method. CQDs with proper structure demonstrated significant antifungal effects against both brown-rot (Postia placenta, Pp) and white-decay fungi (Trametes versicolor, Tv) on various cellulosic materials. The underlying antifungal mechanisms of CQDs on cellulosic materials were further elucidated. We found that positively charged nanosized CQDs primarily adhered to and penetrated into fungal cell membranes. This led to fungal metabolism disorder, a significant reduction in enzymatic activities, and ultimately cell death, as confirmed by transcriptome analysis. Additionally, CQDs generated reactive oxygen species (ROS) under light, causing oxidation and dysfunction of the fungal cell wall. Furthermore, CQDs have the ability to chelate Fe3+, which results in the inhibition of the Fenton reaction and the hindering of the nonenzymatic cellulose degradation. These findings suggest that CQDs inhibit fungal degradation of cellulosic materials through integrated mechanisms, with potential implications for sustainable cellulose applications.

Amphiphilic Fluoro‐Functionalized Cellulosic Materials: Synthesis, Characterization, and Organic Dye Adsorption Properties

The growing interest toward biopolymers application in amphiphilic conditions prompts one to explore the preparation of fluorinated cellulosic materials. Cellulose (CE) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) are functionalized with highly fluorinated pendants, through a nucleophilic aromatic substitution on 3‐pentadecafluoroheptyl‐5‐pentafluorophenyl‐1,2,4‐oxadiazole (FOX) leading to the corresponding fluorinated biopolymers CE‐FOX and CMC‐FOX. Structural and thermal stability confirm covalent attachment of the fluorinated moiety onto the cellulosic skeleton and highlighted an interesting 2D texture of the CMC‐FOX material. Hybrid and amphiphilic features of CE‐FOX and CMC‐FOX, are confirmed by water and oil contact angle measurements. Applications as adsorbent material for organic contaminants from an aqueous solution are tested by previously incorporating the functional biopolymer into sodium alginate (SA) hydrogel beads. Rhodamine B (RhB) is used as a model wastewater pollutant. Fluoro‐functionalization led to a three‐ to eightfold increase in the dye‐removal efficiency of the SA‐incorporated biopolymer with respect to the corresponding non‐fluorinated material (from 11% to 48% for SA/CE vs SA/CE‐FOX beads and from 11% to 94% for SA/CMC vs SA/CMC‐FOX beads). Recyclability tests show good residual performance of SA/CMC‐FOX beads after seven desorption/reuse cycles opening the way to more sustainable adsorbing processes for the removal of emerging pollutants from contaminated water.

Preparation of flame-retardant cellulose paper via spray coating with lignin, phytic acid, and sodium silicate

A flame-retardant treatment for cellulosic paper was applied by spraying the paper with combinations of lignin, phytic acid, and sodium silicate. Lignin enhanced the flame retardancy in the condensed phase, while phytic acid provided dual-phase flame resistance. Sodium silicate further improved thermal stability by forming silica gel through its reaction with phytic acid. The limiting oxygen index increased from 16.8% to 22.0%, and in vertical flame tests, treated paper self-extinguished within 1.5 s, whereas untreated paper burned completely in 12.0 s. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed enhanced thermal stability, with treated paper retaining 36.5% residual char at 900 °C compared to 0% in untreated paper. Despite the relatively low coating coverage from the spray deposition method, the synergistic interaction of phytic acid, lignin, and silica gel effectively compensated by promoting dense char formation and thermal insulation. Fire retardancy was attributed to phytic acid-catalyzed lignin and silica composite formation in the char layer, enhancing structural stability and shielding efficiency. Raman spectroscopy confirmed improved graphitization (ID/IG = 1.20), while scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) verified phosphorus and silica retention. This treatment showed potential for high-performance flame-retardant cellulose materials in packaging, construction, and other industries.

Okra cellulose crystals stabilized Pickering emulsion: A practical tool for soybean oil inclusion to improve nutritive profile of sausages.

Okra cellulose crystals stabilized Pickering emulsion: A practical tool for soybean oil inclusion to improve nutritive profile of sausages.

One-step green synthesis durable flame-retardant, antibacterial and dyeable cellulose fabrics with a recyclable deep eutectic solvent.

One-step green synthesis durable flame-retardant, antibacterial and dyeable cellulose fabrics with a recyclable deep eutectic solvent.

Gamma irradiation accelerates alkaline degradation of cellulosic materials in radioactive waste

Gamma irradiation accelerates alkaline degradation of cellulosic materials in radioactive waste

Exploring biomass derived microcrystalline cellulose from the waste aquatic plant Pistia stratiotes: A comprehensive characterization for polymer composite reinforcement.

Exploring biomass derived microcrystalline cellulose from the waste aquatic plant Pistia stratiotes: A comprehensive characterization for polymer composite reinforcement.

Tailoring the performance of cellulosic textiles by chemical treatment and ionizing radiation: Assessment of physical, mechanical, thermal, crystal and morphological properties

Tailoring the performance of cellulosic textiles by chemical treatment and ionizing radiation: Assessment of physical, mechanical, thermal, crystal and morphological properties

Carbon nanotubes-based nonfluorinated superwetting paint for the construction of functional cellulose materials coatings with hot-water-repellency and oil-hot water separation

Carbon nanotubes-based nonfluorinated superwetting paint for the construction of functional cellulose materials coatings with hot-water-repellency and oil-hot water separation

Advances in cellulose materials for interfacial water evaporation and their applications in seawater desalination

Advances in cellulose materials for interfacial water evaporation and their applications in seawater desalination

Efficient Recovery of Waste Cotton Fabrics Using Ionic Liquid Methods.

Cotton fiber, renewable natural cellulose, make up the largest portion of textile waste. The ionic liquid method has been successfully employed to regenerate waste colored cotton fabric in this study, offering a comprehensive approach to the recycling of waste cotton. The chemical recovery process for reclaimed cellulose materials is crucial for high-value recycling of waste cotton fabrics. In this study, waste and new, colored and white cotton fabrics were used as experimental subjects. The breaking strength, degree of polymerization, iodine adsorption equilibrium value, and crystallinity between old and new fabrics were investigated. Ionic liquid 1-allyl-3-methylimidazole chloride ([AMIM]Cl) and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) were selected to dissolve decolorized waste cotton fabric. Optimal conditions for dissolving the fabric using [AMIM]Cl were investigated. The best dissolution conditions identified were DMSO at a ratio of 1:1 with a dissolution temperature of 110 °C over a duration of 120 min. Additionally, the optimal film formation parameters included a solution concentration of 6%, solidification time of 3 min, and solidification bath temperature of 0 °C. Regenerated cellulose films from both the ionic liquid system (A-film) and zinc chloride system (Z-film) were prepared. The characteristics of the film produced using the most advanced technology were systematically investigated and evaluated. The results of this study provide a crucial theoretical foundation for the recovery and regeneration of waste cotton fabrics.

Lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils enhanced strong and water-stable cellulose material as a plastic replacement

Lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils enhanced strong and water-stable cellulose material as a plastic replacement

Influence of dialcohol cellulose moieties on the properties of cellulosic fibers prepared by the Ioncell® process

Abstract Recent research shows increased interest in periodate oxidation of cellulose combined with subsequent derivatization to broaden the applications of cellulosic materials. This study attempts to apply this modification strategy to alter the properties of man-made cellulosic fibers (MMCF). Specifically, we investigated whether the introduction of soft segments through cleavage of the C2/C3 bond would result in an increased flexibility of the fibers. Dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) moieties were introduced to cotton up to a degree of oxidation (DO) of 15% and subsequently transformed into dialcohol cellulose via borohydride reduction. The modified celluloses were successfully recycled and turned into MMCF using the Ioncell® technology and could be collected with draw ratios up to 9. The development of molecular weight distributions and the content of modified segments throughout the process were analyzed using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and solution-state NMR spectroscopy. The obtained fibers exhibited acceptable tensile properties in the wet state; however, after drying they did not show significantly increased elongation at break values. The observed increase in fiber flexibility in the never-dried state could not be preserved. Additionally, the determined crystallinity indices did not change significantly with an increased number of dialcohol cellulose moieties. This suggests that the modified segments are not properly incorporated into the fibrous superstructure and are affected by supramolecular rearrangements during drying.

Advanced antimicrobial surfaces in cellulose-based food packaging.

Advanced antimicrobial surfaces in cellulose-based food packaging.

Investigatingthe Degradation of Historical Man-Made Cellulose-Derived Textiles via Accelerated Ageing.

Cellulose-derived materials, like paper and cellulose acetate, are known to be vulnerable to degradation within museum collections. Studies have been conducted and degradation markers have been identified on these materials. However, the degradation of man-made cellulose-derived fibres in collections is not well understood. This study aims to provide insights into historical cellulose acetate and regenerated cellulose textiles to quantify their physical and chemical changes during degradation using accelerated ageing experiments. Potential physical and chemical markers for degradation were identified, including changes in surface morphology, mass loss, discolouration and changes in spectral bands. These markers can be used to improve understanding of the degradation mechanisms of historical cellulose acetate and regenerated cellulose textiles and guide the development of conservation strategies. These findings have important implications for understanding the stability of man-made cellulosic fibres in museum collections.