An Efficient and Environmentally Friendly Method for the Synthesis of Cellulose Carbamate by Microwave Heating

Microwave-assisted synthesis of crosslinked ureido chitosan for hemostatic applications

In this study, we present a facile method for introducing hydrophilic ureido groups (NH2-CO-NH-) into chitosan using a microwave-assisted reaction with molten urea, with the aim of enhancing chitosan's interaction with blood components for improved hemostasis. The formation of the ureido groups through nucleophilic addition reaction between the amine groups in chitosan and in situ generated isocyanic acid was confirmed by FTIR, CP/TOSS 13C NMR, and CP/MAS 15N NMR spectroscopic techniques. However, in stark contrast to the glucans, the said modification introduced extensive crosslinking in chitosan. Spectroscopic studies identified these crosslinks as carbamate bridges (-NH-COO-), which were likely formed by the reaction between the ureido groups and hydroxyl groups of adjacent chains through an isocyanate intermediate. These carbamate bridges improved ureido chitosan's environmental stability, making it particularly resistant to changes in pH and temperature. In comparison to chitosan, the crosslinked ureido chitosan synthesized here exhibited good biocompatibility and cell adhesion, rapidly arrested the bleeding in a punctured artery with minimal hemolysis, and induced early activation and aggregation of platelets. These properties render it an invaluable material for applications in hemostasis, particularly in scenarios that necessitate stability against pH variations and degradation.

High Leach-Resistant Fire-Retardant Modified Pine Wood (Pinus sylvestris L.) by In Situ Phosphorylation and Carbamylation

The exterior application of fire-retardant (FR) timber necessitates it to have high durability because of the possibility to be exposed to rainfall. In this study, water-leaching resistance of FR wood has been imparted by grafting phosphate and carbamate groups of the water-soluble FR additives ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP)/urea onto the hydroxyl groups of wood polymers via vacuum-pressure impregnation, followed by drying/heating in hot air. A darker and more reddish wood surface was observed after the modification. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, solid-state ¹³C cross-polarization magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C CP-MAS NMR), and direct-excitation ³¹P MAS NMR suggested the formation of C-O-P covalent bonds and urethane chemical bridges. Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry suggested the diffusion of ADP/urea into the cell wall. The gas evolution analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis coupled with quadrupole mass spectrometry revealed a potential grafting reaction mechanism starting with the thermal decomposition of urea. Thermal behavior showed that the FR-modified wood lowered the main decomposition temperature and promoted the formation of char residues at elevated temperatures. The FR activity was preserved even after an extensive water-leaching test, confirmed by the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and cone calorimetry. The reduction of fire hazards was achieved through the increase of the LOI to above 80%, reduction of 30% of the peak heat release rate (pHRR₂), reduction of smoke production, and a longer ignition time. The modulus of elasticity of FR-modified wood increased by 40% without significantly decreasing the modulus of rupture.

Synthesis, characterization, and biodegradation studies of new cellulose-based polymers

New cellulose carbamates and cellulose acetate carbamates were prepared by classical addition reaction of isocyanates with alcohols. A Telomerization technique was used to make the grafted molecules strongly anchored and more hydrophobic. These molecules were grafted into cellulose and CA chains, respectively. The structures of the synthesized derivatives were confirmed using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared and Thermogravimetric Analysis, and their solubility phenomenon was also established, and the carbamate derivatives showed better solubility compared to cellulose. Their ability to biodegrade was investigated, and it was concluded that Cell-P₁ and CA-P₁ derivatives are more biodegradable than the other samples. These results suggest that the resulting compounds can be used effectively in many useful industrial fields, for instance, eco-friendly food packaging, domains that use materials that are environmentally friendly and sustainable and the development of green chemistry.

Bioresource Upgrade for Sustainable Energy, Environment, and Biomedicine

We conceptualize bioresource upgrade for sustainable energy, environment, and biomedicine with a focus on circular economy, sustainability, and carbon neutrality using high availability and low utilization biomass (HALUB). We acme energy-efficient technologies for sustainable energy and material recovery and applications. The technologies of thermochemical conversion (TC), biochemical conversion (BC), electrochemical conversion (EC), and photochemical conversion (PTC) are summarized for HALUB. Microalgal biomass could contribute to a biofuel HHV of 35.72 MJ Kg-1 and total benefit of 749 $/ton biomass via TC. Specific surface area of biochar reached 3000 m2 g-1 via pyrolytic carbonization of waste bean dregs. Lignocellulosic biomass can be effectively converted into bio-stimulants and biofertilizers via BC with a high conversion efficiency of more than 90%. Besides, lignocellulosic biomass can contribute to a current density of 672 mA m-2 via EC. Bioresource can be 100% selectively synthesized via electrocatalysis through EC and PTC. Machine learning, techno-economic analysis, and life cycle analysis are essential to various upgrading approaches of HALUB. Sustainable biomaterials, sustainable living materials and technologies for biomedical and multifunctional applications like nano-catalysis, microfluidic and micro/nanomotors beyond are also highlighted. New techniques and systems for the complete conversion and utilization of HALUB for new energy and materials are further discussed.

Pyrolysis Kinetics of a Lignin-Modified Cellulose Composite Film

Cellulose is the most abundant natural biopolymer material, which has been widely used in film making and food packaging in recent years. However, lignin, a natural bioaromatic material, is always applied as a waste resource due to its low utilization efficiency. In this study, a ZnCl₂/CaCl₂/cellulose mixed system was used to prepare film materials via a regeneration method. The chemical structure and corresponding properties were characterized. The thermal decomposition process of film materials showed that with an increase of the heating rate, the maximum weight loss temperature gradually shifted to the higher-temperature region. Additionally, the combination of lignin with cellulose as composite films can effectively improve thermal stability. Furthermore, kinetics methods such as Kissing-Akahira-Sunose (KAS), Flynn-Wall-Ozawa (FWO), and Friedman were used to calculate the average activation energy (E). This study proposed a facile method for preparing biobased multifunctional composite films using two kinds of naturally renewable materials.

Fabricating Sustainable All-Cellulose Composites

Climate change, waste disposal challenges, and emissions generated by the manufacture of non-renewable materials are driving forces behind the production of more sustainable composite materials. All-cellulose composites (ACCs) originate from renewable biomass, such as trees and other plants, and are considered fully biodegradable. Dissolving cellulose is a common part of manufacturing ACCs, and currently there is a lot of research focused on effective, but also more environmentally friendly cellulose solvents. There are several beneficial properties of ACC materials that make them competitive: light weight, recyclability, low toxicity, good optical, mechanical, and gas barrier properties, and abundance of renewable plant-based raw material. The most prominent ACC applications are currently found in the food packing, medical, technical and vehicle industries. All-cellulose nanocomposites (ACNCs) expand the current research field and can offer a variety of more specific and functional applications. This review provides an overview of the manufacture of sustainable ACCs from lignocellulose, purified cellulose, and cellulosic textiles. There is an introduction of the cellulose dissolution practices of creating ACCs that are currently researched, the structure of cellulose during complete or partial dissolution is discussed, and a brief overview of factors which influence composite properties is presented.

Cellulose-based polymers

The presented chapter deals with structure, morphology, and properties aspects concerning cellulose-based polymers in both research and industrial production, such as cellulose fibers, cellulose membranes, cellulose nanocrystals, and bacterial cellulose, etc. The idea was to highlight the main cellulose-based polymers and cellulose derivatives, as well as the dissolution technologies in processing cellulose-based products. The structure and properties of cellulose are introduced briefly. The main attention has been paid to swelling and dissolution of cellulose in order to yield various kinds of cellulose derivatives through polymerization. The main mechanisms and methods are also presented. Finally, the environmental friendly and green cellulose-based polymers will be evaluated as one of the multifunctional and smart materials with significant progress.

Dissolution and Interaction of Cellulose Carbamate in NaOH/ZnO Aqueous Solutions

The dissolution and molecular interactions of cellulose carbamate (CC) in NaOH/ZnO aqueous solutions were studied using optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ¹H NMR, dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and molecular dynamic simulation. The dissolution of CC in NaOH/ZnO aqueous solutions using the freezing–thawing method was an exothermic process, and the lower temperature was favorable for the dissolution of CC. ZnO dissolved in NaOH aqueous solutions with the formation of Zn(OH)₄²⁻, and no free Zn²⁺ ions existed in the solvents. NaOH/Na₂Zn(OH)₄ system formed strong interactions with the hydroxyl groups of CC to improve its solubility and the stability of CC solution. The results indicate that 7 wt% NaOH/1.6 wt% ZnO aqueous solution was the most appropriate solvent for the dissolution of CC. This work revealed the dissolution interaction of CC-NaOH/ZnO solutions, which is beneficial for the industrialization of the CarbaCell process.

Engineering of sustainable biomaterial composites from cellulose and silk fibroin: Fundamentals and applications

This review addresses composites prepared from cellulose (Cel) and silk fibroin (SF) to generate multifunctional, biocompatible, biodegradable materials such as fibers, films and scaffolds for tissue engineering. First, we discuss briefly the molecular structures of Cel and SF. Their structural features explain why certain solvents, e.g., ionic liquids, inorganic electrolyte solutions dissolve both biopolymers. We discuss the mechanisms of Cel dissolution because in many cases they also apply to (much less studied) SF dissolution. Subsequently, we discuss the fabrication and characterization of Cel/SF composite biomaterials. We show how the composition of these materials beneficially affects their mechanical properties, compared to those of the precursor biopolymers. We also show that Cel/SF materials are excellent and versatile candidates for biomedical applications because of the inherent biocompatibility of their components.

An Overview on Steroids and Microwave Energy in Multi-Component Reactions towards the Synthesis of Novel Hybrid Molecules

In recent years, hybrid systems are gaining considerable attention owing to their various biological applications in drug development. Generally, hybrid molecules are constructed from different molecular entities to generate a new functional molecule with improved biological activities. There already exist a large number of naturally occurring hybrid molecules based on both non-steroid and steroid frameworks synthesized by nature through mixed biosynthetic pathways such as, a) integration of the different biosynthetic pathways or b) Carbon- Carbon bond formation between different components derived through different biosynthetic pathways. Multicomponent reactions are a great way to generate efficient libraries of hybrid compounds with high diversity. Throughout the scientific history, the most common factors developing technologies are less energy consumption and avoiding the use of hazardous reagents. In this case, microwave energy plays a vital role in chemical transformations since it involves two very essential criteria of synthesis, minimizing energy consumption required for heating and time required for the reaction. This review summarizes the use of microwave energy in the synthesis of steroidal and non-steroidal hybrid molecules and the use of multicomponent reactions.

Morphology-controllable cellulose/chitosan sponge for deep wound hemostasis with surfactant and pore-foaming agent

Developing a facile and scalable synthetic route is important to explore the potential application of functional cellulose sponges. Here, a simple and efficient strategy to produce porous and hydrophilic cellulose sponges using surfactant and pore-foaming agent is demonstrated. The obtained cellulose sponges exhibit high water absorption capacity and rapid shape recoverability. The introduction of chitosan endows the chitosan/cellulose composite sponge with good mechanical properties. Inhibitory effects on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are particularly proved. Besides, the result of the dynamic whole blood clotting time indicated that the chitosan/cellulose composite sponge has better coagulation ability than those of traditional gauze and gelatin sponge. Animal experiment further showed that rapid hemostasis within 105 s could be reached with the composite sponge. Good biocompatibility of the composite sponge is proved by the results of hemocompatibility and cytotoxicity, indicating an excellent candidate as a rapid hemostatic material.

Rapid hemostatic chitosan/cellulose composite sponge by alkali/urea method for massive haemorrhage

Here, a simple and efficient strategy to produce porous and hydrophilic chitosan/cellulose sponge using surfactant and pore-forming agent is demonstrated. The preparation of composite sponge by LiOH/KOH/urea solvent system effectively solve the problems of uneven distribution of chitosan, poor softness and acid residue caused by soaking in chitosan acid solution. The obtained chitosan/cellulose sponges exhibit high water absorption capacity and rapid shape recoverability, as well as good mechanical properties. Effective inhibitory on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are particularly proved. Besides, the result of the dynamic whole blood clotting time indicated that the chitosan/cellulose composite sponge has better coagulation ability than those of traditional gauze and gelatin sponge. Animal experiment further showed that rapid hemostasis within 34 s can be reached with the composite sponge. Better biocompatibility of the composite sponge is proved by the results of hemocompatibility and cytotoxicity, indicating an excellent candidate for rapid hemostasis in massive haemorrhage.

Synthesis of Metal Oxide/Carbon Nanofibers via Biostructure Confinement as High-Capacity Anode Materials

For applications in energy storage and conversion, many metal oxide (MO)/C composite fibers have been synthesized using cellulose as the template. However, MO particles in carbon fibers usually experience anomalous growth to a size of >200 nm, which is detrimental to the overall performance of the composite. In this paper, we report the successful development of a generic approach to synthesize a fiber composite with highly dispersed MO nanoparticles (10-80 nm) via simple swelling, nitrogen doping, and carbonization of the cellulose microfibril. The growth of the MO nanoparticles is confined by the structure of the microfibrils. Density functional theory calculation further reveals that the doped N atoms supply ample nucleation sites for size confinement of the nanoparticles. The encapsulation structure of small MO nanoparticles in the conductive carbon matrix improves their electrochemical performance. For example, the formed SnO_x/carbon nanocomposite exhibits high specific capacities of 1011.0 mA h g^-1 at 0.5 A g^-1 and 581.8 mA h g^-1 at 5 A g^-1. Moreover, the fiber-like nanocomposite can be combined with carbon nanotubes to form a flexible binder-free electrode with a capacity of ∼10 mA h cm^-2, far beyond the commercial level. The process developed in this study offers an alternative approach to sophisticated electrospinning for the synthesis of other fiber-like MO/carbon nanocomposites for versatile applications.

Preparation of Microfibrillated Cellulose from Wood Pulp through Carbamate Modification and Colloid Milling

This paper studies a new convenient method to prepare microfibrillated cellulose from a bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp. First, the wood pulp was reacted with urea to produce cellulose carbamate (CC), and then the CC was treated with colloid mill in an acidic medium. A feasible preparation process for CC was to soak the pulp with the urea solution, and then the cellulose pulp was dewatered, dried, and reacted with urea at high temperatures above the melting point of urea. The Kjeldahl method, infrared spectroscopy, and solid 13C NMR were used to confirm the effectiveness of the reaction. On the basis of CC with the degree of substitution, DS = 0.123, the aqueous suspension with 2% content of CC at pH values of 1, 3, or 7 was severally ground by a colloid milling. After centrifugation, the nanocellulose carbamate fiber (CCNF) in the supernatant was obtained. X-ray diffraction showed that CC and CCNF had the same crystal form as the cellulose pulp, but the crystallinity decreased successively. The nanometer diameter of the CCNF fiber was observed with scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that when the pH value of the CC suspension decreased during the colloid milling, the crystallinity of the CCNF decreased along with the decrease of fiber diameter, and the zeta potential of the supernatant increased. This indicated that carbamate side groups of CC were protonated at low pHs and the cation repulsion between cellulose molecular chains enhanced the driving force of the pulp separation to CCNF. Interestingly, the thermal stability of CCNF is comparable to that of the original cellulose, and the enhancement effect of CCNF on starch can be clearly observed even at a relatively low loading of CCNF.

Microwave Irradiation Assisted Preparation of Chitosan Composite Microsphere for Dye Adsorption

Chitosan-activated carbon composite microspheres were prepared by emulsion cross-linking method and its adsorption properties for methyl orange were studied. Chitosan solution was mixed with activated carbon powder and then chitosan was cross-linked by epichlorohydrin under microwave irradiation. SEM photos show that the composite microspheres have diameters of 200–400 μm and activated carbon powder dispersed on the surface of composite microsphere. FTIR spectrum indicates chitosan is successfully cross-linked. Microwave irradiation can effectively shorten the cross-linking time. Composite microspheres have enhanced dye adsorption capacity for methyl orange compared to chitosan microspheres. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order model. Isotherm studies show that the isotherm adsorption equilibrium is better described by Freundlich isotherm. Regeneration results show that adsorption capacity of composite microsphere decreased about 5.51% after being reused for three times. These results indicated that chitosan-activated carbon composite microsphere has potential application in the removal of dye from wastewaters.

The preparation and study of cellulose carbamates and their regenerated membranes

Using wood pulps with the average degree of polymerization 300-350 and urea as raw materials, cellulose carbamates were successfully synthesized by esterification reaction in N, N-dimethylacetamide(DMAc), an inexpensive, high boiling aprotic and polar solvent, for the purpose of improving the solubility of cellulose, reducing costs and environmental pollution. The products were dissolved in 9% sodium hydroxide solution at a low temperature after washing and drying and the cellulose carbamates solutions were obtained. The solutions were uniformly casted on a glass support after degassing. The regenerated cellulose membranes (CMs) were prepared by immersing the support in coagulation bath for some minutes. The structures of cellulose carbamates were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ¹³C solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry (¹³C NMR), Thermal gravimetric analysis(TG), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometry(XRD). The filtration performances of CMs were tested. The results reveal that part groups of cellulose were substituted by amino in the medium, the cellulose carbamates were prepared with the reducing crystallinity and thermal decomposition temperature. The CMs have good separation performance for methylene blue.

Synthesis of kenaf cellulose carbamate and its smart electric stimuli-response

Cellulose carbamate (CC) was produced from kenaf core pulp (KCP) via a microwave reactor-assisted method. The formation of CC was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nitrogen content analysis. The degree of substitution, zeta potential and size distribution of CC were also determined. The CC was characterized with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetry analysis. The CC particles were then dispersed in silicone oil to prepare CC-based anhydrous electric stimuli-responsive electrorheological (ER) fluids. Rhelogical measurement was carried out using rotational rheometer with a high voltage generator in both steady and oscillatory shear modes to examine the effect of electric field strength on the ER characteristics. The results showed that the increase in electric field strength has enhanced the ER properties of CC-based ER fluid due to the chain formation induced by electric polarization among the particles.

Construction of cellulose based ZnO nanocomposite films with antibacterial properties through one-step coagulation

Cellulose based ZnO nanocomposite (RCZ) films were prepared from cellulose carbamate-NaOH/ZnO solutions through one-step coagulation in Na2SO4 aqueous solutions. The structure and properties of RCZ films were characterized using XRD, FTIR, XPS, SEM, TEM, TG, tensile testing, and antibacterial activity tests. The content of ZnO in RCZ films was obtained in the range of 2.7-15.1 wt %. ZnO nanoparticles with a hexagonal wurtzite structure agglomerated into large particles, which firmly embedded in the cellulose matrix. RCZ films displayed good mechanical properties and high thermal stability. Moreover, the films exhibited excellent UV-blocking properties and antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. A dramatic reduction in viable bacteria was observed within 3 h of exposure, while all of the bacteria were killed within 6 h. This work provided a novel and simple pathway for the preparation of regenerated cellulose films with ZnO nanoparticles for application as functional biomaterials.

Direct production of cellulose laurate by mechanical activation-strengthened solid phase synthesis

This work reports that cellulose laurate could be directly produced by mechanical activation-strengthened solid phase synthesis (MASPS) in a customized stirring mill with using bagasse pulp and lauric acid as materials in an environmentally friendly way. Cellulose laurates with different degree of substitution were obtained under different synthesis conditions without the use of organic co-reagents and solvents. The characterization results showed that cellulose laurates had great changes in surface morphologies and crystal structures compared with bagasse pulp because of the intense milling and introduction of laurate groups, but still retained the cellulose I crystalline form of the native cellulose. MASPS could be considered as a simple, efficient and green method for the production of long chain cellulose esters.