Nonwoven Fiber Research Articles

Immobilization of strontium aluminate nanoparticles onto plasma-pretreated nonwoven polypropylene fibers by screen-printing toward photochromic textiles

Polypropylene fibers have been applied in various fields, such as automotives, plastic furniture, medical devices, and food packaging. Polypropylene fibers are characterized by low-cost, high flexural and impact strength, as well as high resistant to chemicals, moisture, fade, electricity and fatigue. However, polypropylene fiber is inherently resistant to stain because they have no active dyeing sites on their surface. Therefore, it has been impossible to dye polypropylene fibers after extrusion. In the current study, we introduce a novel strategy toward the production of photoluminescent nonwoven polypropylene fabrics by plasma-assisted screen-printing with rare-earth doped strontium aluminate nanoparticles. Aqueous-based phosphor-binder printing paste was applied directly onto nonwoven polypropylene textiles. The superhydrophobic properties of the phosphor-printed nonwoven polypropylene textile substrates were enhanced with increasing the phosphor ratio in the printing paste. Both of ultraviolet protection and antibacterial activity of the phosphor-printed nonwoven polypropylene fabrics were also considered. The produced colorless photoluminescent layer displayed an emission band at 515 nm after being excited at 371 nm. The phosphor-printed fabrics exhibited various colorimetric shades, including off-white beneath daylight and green beneath ultraviolet lamp, as proved by photoluminescence spectra and CIE Lab properties. The comfortability was inspected by testing both of air-permeability and bend length to indicate good flexibility and breathability. The phosphor nanoparticles were studied for their morphological properties to display diameters of 4–9 nm. The spectroscopic findings of the phosphor-printed nonwoven polypropylene were explored. The colorfastness was studied to indicate high durability. The phosphor-printed fabrics showed good reversibility and fatigue-resistance.

Green synthesis of a hydrophobic metal-organic gel for the capture of trace odorous hexanal from humid air

The development of superhydrophobic adsorbents for the capture of trace volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from humid indoor air is still a challenge. Herein, we reported the formation of a granular zinc-based metal-organic gel, i.e., ZIF-412(gel) by optimizing the synthesis conditions. The thermally stable xerogel exhibited high surface area (1008 m2/g), hydrophobicity, and viscosity for self-depositing on the substrate such as non-woven fibers. Dynamic adsorption experiments under various humidity conditions demonstrated as-synthesized ZIF-412(gel) owned excellent VOC (hexanal) adsorption performance with adsorption capacity higher than commercial activated carbon and some water-stable MOFs including ZIF-8, ZIF-67, MIL-101(Cr) and ZIF-414. ZIF-412(gel) could be regenerated at temperature as low as 358 K without obvious loss in adsorption capacity. The adsorption mechanism of hexanal over ZIF-412(gel) is also simulated by Grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC).

Construction of a novel hydrogel composite with polylactic acid nonwoven fibers: rapid and effective removal of Pb(II) and Ni(II)

In this study, a hydrogel composite adsorbent structure was reported and showed satisfactory adsorption performance. The study uses polylactic acid melt-blown nonwoven fabric to optimize and improve the adsorption performance of the hydrogel. The results show that the nonwoven fabric structure enables the composite material to reach the swelling equilibrium faster than the hydrogel. The adsorption-isotherm model found that the adsorption capacity of composite materials Pb(II) and Ni(II) reached 416.07 and 243.10 mg/g, respectively, and still had high removal efficiency at low pH. The composite material has low cost and can be reused, which solves the problems of difficulty in recovery of the hydrogel adsorbent, low strength, and easy damage, and promotes the industrialization of the hydrogel as an adsorbent.

Four-in-one multifunctional air filter using copper coordination polymer particle decorated fibre for efficient pathogen removal and indoor air treatment

This paper introduces a multifunctional air filter with a strong ability to trap and disinfect pathogens and absorb particulate matter (PM), the volatile organic compound (VOC), and CO2. This study demonstrates a facile and eco-friendly synthesis of copper coordination polymer particle (Cu-CPP)-decorated non-woven fibre filters (Cu-CPP/NWF) via an in situ growth dip-coating method. Their multifunction potentials in air pollution treatment are also assessed. The Cu-CPP/NWF filter media showed a remarkable performance for air treatment, with 100% disinfection efficiency against airborne E. coli bacteria (2 × 106 CFU mL−1) in 45 min, superior PM removal efficiency (quality factor 0.299 Pa−1), excellent p-xylene adsorption capacities (1.19 mmol/g) and high potential CO2 uptake capacities (19.81 cm3/g). A Cu-CPP can work as an antibacterial agent and an adsorbent component, thus offering many applications. The rational integration of Cu-CPP can substantially enhance the filtration efficiency via electrostatic interaction, while most commercial air purifiers rely on dense fibrous filters. This study provides valuable insight into developing a multifunctional and reusable air filter proven to be a life-saving product for public health protection.

Effects of chemical and autoclave sterilization treatments on medical personal protective equipment made of nonwoven polypropylene fibers for recycling

Medical personal protective equipment (PPE) made from nonwoven thermoplastic fibers has been intensively used, resulting in a large amount of biohazardous waste. Sterilization is indispensable before recycling medical waste. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effects of the decontamination treatments and help properly recycle the PPE materials. The study investigated the effects of three disinfection treatments (NaClO, H2O2, and autoclave) on chemical composition, molecular weight, thermal properties, crystallinity, crystallization kinetics, and mechanical tension of three types of PPE (Gown #1, Gown #2, and Wrap) made of isotactic polypropylene fibers. The chemical compositions of the materials were not evidently affected by any of the treatments. However, the Mw of the polymers decreased about 2–7% after the treatments, although the changes were not statistically significant. The treatments barely affected the melting and crystallization temperatures and the maximum force at break, but they tended to elevate the thermal degradation temperatures. Although the treatments did not notably influence the crystallinities, crystallization rates and crystal growths were altered based on the Avrami model regression. Since the detected changes would not significantly affect polymer processing, the treated materials were suitable for recycling. Meanwhile, evident differences in the three types of raw materials were recorded. Their initial properties fluctuated notably, and they often behaved differently during the treatments, which could affect recycling operation. Recyclers should test and sort the raw materials to assure product quality. The results in this study provide fundamental data for recycling medical PPE to reduce its environmental footprint. Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10965-022-03217-w.

Nonwoven carbonized viscose mat for outstanding electromagnetic shielding, fast electrical heating and fire alarm

Disposable face towel derived amorphous carbon prepared by annealing for broad and exacting applications in electromagnetic shielding, electrical heating, etc. This mat with 3D conductive network formed by nonwoven viscose fiber structure gives an outstanding electromagnetic shielding performance of 30 dB and 8161 dB/(g/cm2) at a thickness of 0.168 mm in the frequency range of 0.3–3.0 GHz. In addition, the as prepared mat presents excellent temperature & strain sensing with exceptional sensitivity (BS = 5.5%), and favorable flexibility (1000 bending cycles without fracture). Moreover, the mat provides well Joule heating performance, and the heating temperature can reach over 60°C in 32 seconds under 0.25 A current. More interestingly, the mat shows excellent fire alarm with a fast response (84 ms) and high operating temperature (>500°C). This method provides a simple and low-cost new method for radiation protection, temperature detection, fire alarm and other fields.

Atmospheric pressure plasma‐jet treatment of polyacrylonitrile‐nonwovens—Stabilization and roll‐to‐roll processing

AbstractCarbon nanofiber nonwovens represent a powerful class of materials with prospective application in filtration technology or as electrodes with high surface area in batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors. While new precursor‐to‐carbon conversion processes have been explored to overcome productivity restrictions for carbon fiber tows, alternatives for the two‐step thermal conversion of polyacrylonitrile precursors into carbon fiber nonwovens are absent. In this work, we develop a continuous roll‐to‐roll stabilization process using an atmospheric pressure microwave plasma jet. We explore the influence of various plasma‐jet parameters on the morphology of the nonwoven and compare the stabilized nonwoven to thermally stabilized samples using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and infrared spectroscopy. We show that stabilization with a non‐equilibrium plasma‐jet can be twice as productive as the conventional thermal stabilization in a convection furnace, while producing electrodes of comparable electrochemical performance.

A Novel Antipathogenic Agent for Nonwoven Fabric

Medical-grade masks and N95 respirators containing non-woven fibers are designed to prevent the spread of airborne diseases. While they effectively trap respiratory droplets and aerosols, they cannot lyse entrapped pathogens. Embedded antimicrobial agents such as silver, copper, zinc, iodine, peptides, quaternary ammonium salts, or nanoparticles have been used to overcome this limitation. However, their effectiveness remains debatable because these materials can be toxins, allergens, irritants, and environmental hazards. Recently, silicon nitride (Si3N4) was found to be a potent antipathogenic compound, and it may be an ideal agent for masks. In powder or solid form, it is highly effective in inactivating bacteria, fungi, and viruses while leaving mammalian tissue unaffected. The purpose of this study was to serially assess the antiviral efficacy of Si3N4 against SARS-CoV-2 using powders, solids, and embedded nonwoven fabrics. Si3N4 powders and solids were prepared using conventional ceramic processing. The “pad-dry-cure” method was used to embed Si3N4 particles into polypropylene fibers. Fabric testing was subsequently conducted using industrial standards—ISO 18184 for antiviral effectiveness, ASTM F2299 and EN 13274-7 for filtration efficiency, EN 14683 for differential pressure drop, and ISO 18562-2 for particle shedding. A modification of ISO 18562-3 was also employed to detect ammonia release from the fabric. Antiviral effectiveness for Si3N4 powders, solids, and embedded fabrics were 99.99% at ≤ 5 min, ~ 93% in 24 h, and 87% to 92% in 120 min, respectively. Results of the standard mask tests were generally within prescribed safety limits. Further process optimization may lead to commercial Si3N4-based masks that not only “catch” but also “kill” pathogenic microbes.

Environmental Decay of Single Use Surgical Face Masks as an Agent of Plastic Micro-Fiber Pollution

Large numbers of Single Use Surgical-type Face Masks, used by the public as personal protective equipment during the 2020–2022 COVID-19 pandemic, have been lost or intentionally discarded and have entered the environment rather than the waste management stream. These masks, made from non-woven polypropylene fibers, will undergo environmental decay which will release fiber fragments as microplastics into the environment. While the photochemical process of the decay of polypropylene polymers (photo-oxidation) is well understood, and while there are numerous studies that investigate mask decay and micro-fiber shedding in laboratory settings, there are no observational data that describe the progress and speed of decay on polypropylene face masks in real-life environmental settings. This paper examines the breakdown of single use surgical-type face masks under natural conditions. Masks from three manufacturers were exposed to natural sunlight over a ten-week period and their state of decay was photographically recorded in situ at weekly intervals. Visible decay accelerated after three weeks, with masks made from thinner spunbond fabric decaying more rapidly. Among same-weight fabric, photo-oxidation affected fabric dyed light blue more than undyed fabric, leading to a total breakdown after six weeks. The results are novel as they demonstrate a differential decay between the spunbonded and the melt-blown fabric, which cracks and breaks down much faster due to thinner fibers of shorter length and the lack of thermal bonding points. The resultant extensive micro-fiber generation was accelerated by external physical forces such as wind. This experiment highlights the fact that municipal agencies have only a narrow window of time to remove stray face masks from the urban environment if micro-fiber pollution is to be prevented.

Atmospheric Pressure Plasma-Jet Treatment of PAN-Nonwovens—Carbonization of Nanofiber Electrodes

Carbon nanofibers are produced from dielectric polymer precursors such as polyacrylonitrile (PAN). Carbonized nanofiber nonwovens show high surface area and good electrical conductivity, rendering these fiber materials interesting for application as electrodes in batteries, fuel cells, and supercapacitors. However, thermal processing is slow and costly, which is why new processing techniques have been explored for carbon fiber tows. Alternatives for the conversion of PAN-precursors into carbon fiber nonwovens are scarce. Here, we utilize an atmospheric pressure plasma jet to conduct carbonization of stabilized PAN nanofiber nonwovens. We explore the influence of various processing parameters on the conductivity and degree of carbonization of the converted nanofiber material. The precursor fibers are converted by plasma-jet treatment to carbon fiber nonwovens within seconds, by which they develop a rough surface making subsequent surface activation processes obsolete. The resulting carbon nanofiber nonwovens are applied as supercapacitor electrodes and examined by cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. Nonwovens that are carbonized within 60 s show capacitances of up to 5 F g−1.

Solution electrospinning and properties of poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) fibers

Poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF) is an attractive bio-based alternative to petroleum-based polymers. In this work, novel PEF-based nonwovens were obtained by the solution electrospinning, using as solvents: trifluoroacetic acid, its mixtures with dichloromethane and dichloroethane, and also 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol. The effect of the solvent type and PEF concentration on the fiber thickness and the properties of nonwovens was studied. The average thickness of nonwoven fibers ranged from 180 nm to 2.3 μm. The fibers were amorphous with the glass transition temperature of 85–87 °C. The nonwovens were strongly hydrophobic, with water contact angles of 144–146° although they exhibited the rose petal effect. The mechanical properties of the materials were influenced by their porosity and fiber thickness. The nonwoven electrospun from 20 wt% PEF solution in trifluoroacetic acid, with an average fiber diameter of 2.13 μm and a porosity of 74%, exhibited the highest tensile strength and elongation at break, 10.8 MPa and 190%, respectively.

Wettability tuning of natural rubber/polyvinylpyrrolidone electrospun nonwoven mats

We report here the development of nonwoven electrospun fiber mats containing natural rubber (NR) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) blends. NR, PVP, and NR:PVP blended samples of 25:75; 50:50, and 75:25 wt.% were investigated by rheological measurements, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, contact angle, and wetting time. The samples show a Newtonian behavior for ≤ 50.0 wt.% NR and a shear-thinning for higher NR content. Contact angle measurements show that the wettability of electrospun fiber mats decreases with higher NR concentrations when compared with the results of cast membranes. In addition, we demonstrate that wettability can be tuned by changing the polymer ratio in the blends, as attested by the experimental measurements and theoretical modeling. SEM and AFM images show phase separation only for cast membranes and the RMS roughness changes nonlinearly with variation in polymer ratio. Therefore, the wettability and the proposed model are more dependent on surface energy than on roughness. The association of NR:PVP was demonstrated to be successful in the production of electrospun fiber mats, exhibiting characteristics that may be of interest in biomedical applications when control of the wettability is required. Water-dissolution tests were performed for the 50NRe-spun sample and partial dissolution could be observed suggesting a promisor candidate for biomedical application with drug release.

Development of hydroxyapatite-coated nonwovens for efficient isolation of somatic stem cells from adipose tissues.

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are an attractive cell source for cell therapy. Despite the increasing number of clinical applications, the methodology for ASC isolation is not optimized for every individual. In this study, we developed an effective material to stabilize explant cultures from small-fragment adipose tissues.MethodsPolypropylene/polyethylene nonwoven sheets were coated with hydroxyapatite (HA) particles. Adipose fragments were then placed on these sheets, and their ability to trap tissue was monitored during explant culture. The yield and properties of the cells were compared to those of cells isolated by conventional collagenase digestion.ResultsHydroxyapatite-coated nonwovens immediately trapped adipose fragments when placed on the sheets. The adhesion was stable even in culture media, leading to cell migration and proliferation from the tissue along with the nonwoven fibers. A higher fiber density further enhanced cell growth. Although cells on nonwoven explants could not be fully collected with cell dissociation enzymes, the cell yield was significantly higher than that of conventional monolayer culture without impacting stem cell properties.ConclusionsHydroxyapatite-coated nonwovens are useful for the effective primary explant culture of connective tissues without enzymatic cell dissociation.

Mechanism and performance evaluation of FeSe2 and MoS2-loaded carbon fiber sheet as a novel heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst

A novel non-woven carbon fiber sheet-supported FeSe2 and MoS2-loaded Fenton catalyst (MoS2@FeSe2@CFS) was synthesized by a two-step hydrothermalprocess. The MoS2@FeSe2@CFS exhibited an excellent performance on hydrogenperoxide (H2O2) activation at different conditions. Removal efficiency of methyleneblue (MB) reached 99.7% within 20 min and the rate constant was higher than those of the most reported iron-containing catalyst/H2O2 systems for MB degradation. The possible activation mechanism of H2O2 by MoS2@FeSe2@CFS in heterogeneous system was proposed·H2O2 was activated to ·OH by Fe2+, and generated Fe3+ was reduced to Fe2+ by Mo4+. Besides, MoS2 has great adsorption performance and can aggregate MB near the catalyst, shortening the mass transfer distance. Therefore, the heterogeneous Fenton catalyst MoS2@FeSe2@CFS has excellent catalytic property. Notably, it was discovered that S might participate in the Fe3+/Fe2+ cycle, which has not been reported in literature. Moreover, MoS2@FeSe2@CFS have good long-term stability and repeatability because of its highstrength and chemicaldurability. Overall, this work expands the environmental application of iron-containing catalyst and provides a promising heterogeneous Fenton system for removal of contaminants from water.

Virucidal N95 Respirator Face Masks via Ultrathin Surface-Grafted Quaternary Ammonium Polymer Coatings.

N95 respirator face masks serve as effective physical barriers against airborne virus transmission, especially in a hospital setting. However, conventional filtration materials, such as nonwoven polypropylene fibers, have no inherent virucidal activity, and thus, the risk of surface contamination increases with wear time. The ability of face masks to protect against infection can be likely improved by incorporating components that deactivate viruses on contact. We present a facile method for covalently attaching antiviral quaternary ammonium polymers to the fiber surfaces of nonwoven polypropylene fabrics that are commonly used as filtration materials in N95 respirators via ultraviolet (UV)-initiated grafting of biocidal agents. Here, C12-quaternized benzophenone is simultaneously polymerized and grafted onto melt-blown or spunbond polypropylene fabric using 254 nm UV light. This grafting method generated ultrathin polymer coatings which imparted a permanent cationic charge without grossly changing fiber morphology or air resistance across the filter. For melt-blown polypropylene, which comprises the active filtration layer of N95 respirator masks, filtration efficiency was negatively impacted from 72.5 to 51.3% for uncoated and coated single-ply samples, respectively. Similarly, directly applying the antiviral polymer to full N95 masks decreased the filtration efficiency from 90.4 to 79.8%. This effect was due to the exposure of melt-blown polypropylene to organic solvents used in the coating process. However, N95-level filtration efficiency could be achieved by wearing coated spunbond polypropylene over an N95 mask or by fabricating N95 masks with coated spunbond as the exterior layer. Coated materials demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against several lipid-enveloped viruses, as well as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria. For example, a 4.3-log reduction in infectious MHV-A59 virus and a 3.3-log reduction in infectious SuHV-1 virus after contact with coated filters were observed, although the level of viral deactivation varied significantly depending on the virus strain and protocol for assaying infectivity.

Full Lignin-Derived Electrospun Carbon Materials as Electrodes for Supercapacitors

In the search for more sustainable energy storage devices, biomass-derived materials have been widely researched as carbon source for electrode applications. Here we present the processing of high molecular lignin, an abundant carbon rich biopolymer and byproduct of the pulp and paper industry, into freestanding nonwoven carbon fiber (CNFs) electrodes by using electrospinning. It is worth mentioning that no petrol-derived polymers that are usually included in the electrospinning of lignin, were employed in this work, making these electrodes more sustainable than common lignin-derived carbon electrodes. The effect of the carbonization temperature and oxygen plasma treatment in the electrochemical performance of the CNFs as electrodes for supercapacitors was studied. The upscaling of the processing of lignin into carbon electrodes was also explored by comparing a standard electrospinning set up with a needleless electrospinning equipment that enabled faster and higher throughput. The electrochemical performance of the CNFs increased after plasma treatment of the surface and the electrodes prepared using the standard set up exhibited the highest activity, achieving specific capacitances of up to 103.6 F g−1.

Removal of boron from aqueous solutions by N-methyl-D-glucamine@γ-glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane with nonwoven basalt fibers support

Waste water with boron is a widespread environmental problem. This work presents a kind of novel organic-inorganic composite boron adsorbent of NGN, N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG) @γ-glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) on the nonwoven basalt fibers (NBF), which is environmentally friendly, water resistance, non-toxicity and low cost. The effect of various parameters on the adsorption performance of NGN, such as pH value, boron concentration, contact time and different ion concentrations, was investigated. The optimum adsorption capacity of 1.64 mmol/g occurred in the vicinity of pH 9.0, and NGN possessed the fast adsorption equilibrium of boron within 40 min. In the presence of competing ions, Na+ and Li+ had little effect on the adsorption of boron, while Mg2+ promoted the adsorption of boron. The features of NGN adsorption process were assessed by Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The experimental data of NGN boron adsorbent was well described by using the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In addition, after eight times adsorption-desorption cycles, NGN still featured excellent regeneration performance. All the experimental results illustrate that NGN could be efficiently utilized for separating and recycling boron from aqueous solutions.

Low cost centrifugal melt spinning for distributed manufacturing of non-woven media.

Centralized manufacturing and global supply chains have emerged as an efficient strategy for large-scale production of goods throughout the 20th century. However, while this system of production is highly efficient, it is not resilient. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen numerous supply chains fail to adapt to sudden changes in supply and demand, including those for goods critical to the pandemic response such as personal protective equipment. Here, we consider the production of the non-woven polypropylene filtration media used in face filtering respirators (FFRs). The FFR supply chain’s reliance on non-woven media sourced from large, centralized manufacturing facilities led to a supply chain failure. In this study, we present an alternative manufacturing strategy that allows us to move towards a more distributed manufacturing practice that is both scalable and robust. Specifically, we demonstrate that a fiber production technique known as centrifugal melt spinning can be implemented with modified, commercially-available cotton candy machines to produce nano- and microscale non-woven fibers. We evaluate several post processing strategies to transform the produced material into viable filtration media and then characterize these materials by measuring filtration efficiency and breathability, comparing them against equivalent materials used in commercially-available FFRs. Additionally, we demonstrate that waste plastic can be processed with this technique, enabling the development of distributed recycling strategies to address the growing plastic waste crisis. Since this method can be employed at small scales, it allows for the development of an adaptable and rapidly deployable distributed manufacturing network for non-woven materials that is financially accessible to more people than is currently possible.

Construction of Unsaturated Collagen Microsphere System Based on Hydrogen/Coordination Bond and Application.

In this paper, unsaturated collagen microspheres (CMA-Cr/ST) were constructed from vinyl collagen (CMA, which is from leather solid waste) and chromium/synthetic tannins (Cr/ST) through hydrogen and coordination bonds and grafted on polyamide nonwoven fiber by thiol-ene click chemistry to improve the moisture absorption and permeability of nonwoven. The results showed that when the quality ratio of CMA to Cr/ST was 1:1, the magnetic stirring time was 20 min with 250 rpm at room temperature, the surface and particle size distribution of the obtained microspheres were smooth and relatively uniform, and the average particle size was 2-3 μm. When the concentrations of the microspheres and the initiators were 6 and 0.006 wt %, the irradiation time was 4 h and the grafting rate of CMA-Cr/ST on the surface of polyamide fibers would reach 31.3%. The moisture absorption and permeability of the obtained microsphere-modified polyamide nonwoven fiber (CMA-Cr/ST-S-PA) were increased. It was found that the collagen microspheres were firmly modified on the polyamide fibers by moisture and heat resistance, wash resistance, and solvent resistance studies.

Valorisation of cellulosic rejections from wastewater treatment plants through sugar production

The widespread use of wipes and other sanitary products made of nonwoven fibres has led to an enormous problem in wastewater treatment systems that has been underestimated for some time. To date, there are no practical alternatives for recycling and valorisation. In this study, cellulosic rejections recovered from a wastewater treatment plant in Barcelona (Spain) were characterised and treated using hydrothermal and enzymatic methods to obtain free sugars. Steam explosion and autoclave pre-treatments were performed at different temperatures (120, 130, or 150 °C) and residence times (10–40 min) under neutral, acidic or basic conditions. The solids obtained after the pre-treatment, as well as the untreated material, were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis using commercial enzymes. The untreated substrate reached the highest sugar production: 29 g glucose and xylose per 100 g of the cellulosic rejections, equivalent to 86% of the sugars contained in the initial material. These sugars can subsequently be transformed into biofuels or bioproducts within a biorefinery approach.