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Lee K, Sim YL, Jeong H, Kim A, Lee Y, Shim SE, Qian Y. Mechanochemically functionalized and fibrillated microcrystalline cellulose as a filler in silicone foam: An integrated experimental and simulation investigation. Carbohydr Polym 2024; 327:121660. [PMID: 38171679 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Fibrillated celluloses have gained significant attention due to their exceptional mechanical properties and eco-friendly characteristics, which make them suitable for various applications. In this study, we designed a precise approach for producing highly fibrillated microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) via ball-milling treatment using four typical silane coupling agents. The empirical data demonstrate that the fibrillization of MCC and the properties of fibrillated MCC are largely affected by the size and geometry of the functional groups of the silanes. After ball-milling, most MCC displayed enhanced e-beam tolerance and thermal stability, whereas the silane loading amount, surface area, and morphology of fibrillated MCC appeared to be random, which was exemplified by the proportional and non-proportional relationship between the loading amount and surface area of methyl silane- and phenyl silane-treated MCC, respectively. Density functional theory calculations and molecular dynamics simulations were employed to obtain the intricate details. The simulation results were in agreement with the experimental results. Finally, fibrillated MCC was incorporated into silicone foams as an additive. The thermal stability of fibrillated MCC with added silicone was greatly improved, and the tensile strength of fibrillated MCC-containing silicone foam was 44.1 and 5.4 times higher than that of the neat and MCC-containing silicone foams, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoungwon Lee
- Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Education and Research Center for Smart Energy and Materials, Inha University, Incheon 22212, South Korea.
| | - Yoo Lim Sim
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Education and Research Center for Smart Energy and Materials, Inha University, Incheon 22212, South Korea
| | - Hyeonwoo Jeong
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Education and Research Center for Smart Energy and Materials, Inha University, Incheon 22212, South Korea.
| | - Asell Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Education and Research Center for Smart Energy and Materials, Inha University, Incheon 22212, South Korea.
| | - Yongjin Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Education and Research Center for Smart Energy and Materials, Inha University, Incheon 22212, South Korea.
| | - Sang Eun Shim
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Education and Research Center for Smart Energy and Materials, Inha University, Incheon 22212, South Korea.
| | - Yingjie Qian
- Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China; Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Education and Research Center for Smart Energy and Materials, Inha University, Incheon 22212, South Korea.
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Aziz T, Haq F, Farid A, Kiran M, Faisal S, Ullah A, Ullah N, Bokhari A, Mubashir M, Chuah LF, Show PL. Challenges associated with cellulose composite material: Facet engineering and prospective. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 223:115429. [PMID: 36746207 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cellulose is the most abundant polysaccharide on earth. It has a large number of desirable properties. Its low toxicity makes it more useful for a variety of applications. Nowadays, its composites are used in most engineering fields. Composite consists of a polymer matrix and use as a reinforcing material. By reducing the cost of traditional fibers, it has an increasing demand for environment-friendly purposes. The use of these types of composites is inherent in moisture absorption with hindered natural fibers. This determines the reduction of polymer composite material. By appropriate chemical surface treatment of cellulose composite materials, the effect could be diminished. The most modern and advanced techniques and methods for the preparation of cellulose and polymer composites are discussed here. Cellulosic composites show a reinforcing effect on the polymer matrix as pointed out by mechanical characterization. Researchers tried their hard work to study different ways of converting various agricultural by-products into useful eco-friendly polymer composites for sustainable production. Cellulose plays building blocks, that are critical for polymer products and their engineering applications. The most common method used to prepare composites is in-situ polymerization. This help to increase the yields of cellulosic composites with a significant enhancement in thermal stability and mechanical properties. Recently, cellulose composites used as enhancing the incorporation of inorganic materials in multi-functional properties. Furthermore, we have summarized in this review the potential applications of cellulose composites in different fields like packaging, aerogels, hydrogels, and fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Aziz
- Westlake University, School of Engineering, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fazal Haq
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Gomal University, D. I. Khan, 29050, Pakistan.
| | - Arshad Farid
- Gomal Center of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Gomal University, D. I. Khan, 29050, Pakistan
| | - Mehwish Kiran
- Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, D. I. Khan, 29050, Pakistan
| | - Shah Faisal
- Chemistry Department, University of Science and Technology Bannu, Pakistan
| | - Asmat Ullah
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer, Life Science Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Naveed Ullah
- Institute of Chemical Sciences, Gomal University, D. I. Khan, 29050, Pakistan
| | - Awais Bokhari
- Department of Chemical Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Mubashir
- Physical Science and Engineering Division, Advanced Membranes and Porous Materials Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Lai Fatt Chuah
- Faculty of Maritime Studies, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Pau Loke Show
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory for Subtropical Water Environment and Marine Biological Resources Protection, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, 325035, China; Department of Chemical Engineering, Khalifa University, Shakhbout Bin Sultan St - Zone 1, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500, Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia; Department of Sustainable Engineering, Saveetha School of Engineering, SIMATS, Chennai, 602105, India.
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Chang CJ, Chandrasekar J, Cho CJ, Venkatesan M, Huang PS, Yang CW, Wang HT, Wong CM, Kuo CC. Reinforcing a Thermoplastic Starch/Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) Composite Foam with Polyethylene Glycol under Supercritical Carbon Dioxide. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 15:polym15010129. [PMID: 36616479 PMCID: PMC9824321 DOI: 10.3390/polym15010129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Biodegradable foams are a potential substitute for most fossil-fuel-derived polymer foams currently used in the cushion furniture-making industry. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) are biodegradable polymers, although their poor compatibility does not support the foam-forming process. In this study, we investigated the effect of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with or without silane A (SA) on the foam density, cell structure and tensile properties of TPS/PBAT blends. The challenges in foam forming were explored through various temperature and pressure values under supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) conditions. The obtained experimental results indicate that PEG and SA act as a plasticizer and compatibilizer, respectively. The 50% (TPS with SA + PEG)/50% PBAT blends generally produce foams that have a lower foam density and better cell structure than those of 50% (TPS with PEG)/50% PBAT blends. The tensile property of each 50% (TPS with SA + PEG)/50% PBAT foam is generally better than that of each 50% (TPS with PEG)/50% PBAT foam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Jen Chang
- Institute of Organic and Polymeric Materials, Research and Development Center of Smart Textile Technology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
| | - Jayashree Chandrasekar
- Institute of Organic and Polymeric Materials, Research and Development Center of Smart Textile Technology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Cho
- Institute of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-J.C.); (C.-C.K.)
| | - Manikandan Venkatesan
- Institute of Organic and Polymeric Materials, Research and Development Center of Smart Textile Technology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Shu Huang
- Institute of Biotechnology and Chemical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 84001, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Wei Yang
- Institute of Organic and Polymeric Materials, Research and Development Center of Smart Textile Technology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ta Wang
- Institute of Organic and Polymeric Materials, Research and Development Center of Smart Textile Technology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
| | | | - Chi-Ching Kuo
- Institute of Organic and Polymeric Materials, Research and Development Center of Smart Textile Technology, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-J.C.); (C.-C.K.)
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Dinesh, Wang H, Kim J. Citric Acid-Crosslinked Highly Porous Cellulose Nanofiber Foam Prepared by an Environment-Friendly and Simple Process. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2022; 6:2200090. [PMID: 36381129 PMCID: PMC9638428 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202200090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
In this study, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) foams are prepared by an environment-friendly, time-saving, and simple process using bio-based citric acid (CA) as a green crosslinking agent. Scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy examine the foam morphology and confirm the crosslinking. The prepared foam shows a very high porosity (>98%) with a low density (24.02 mg cm-3) with more than 200% improvement in mechanical strength and modulus compared to the neat CNF foam. In addition, the inclusion of CA into CNF improves thermal stability, antioxidant activity, and hydrophobicity. Furthermore, the prepared foam demonstrates a good sound absorption behavior, suitable for environment-friendly and lightweight sound-absorbing foam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh
- Creative Research Center for Nanocellulose Future CompositesDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringInha University100 Inha‐ro, Michuhol‐guIncheon22212South Korea
| | - Hanbin Wang
- Creative Research Center for Nanocellulose Future CompositesDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringInha University100 Inha‐ro, Michuhol‐guIncheon22212South Korea
| | - Jaehwan Kim
- Creative Research Center for Nanocellulose Future CompositesDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringInha University100 Inha‐ro, Michuhol‐guIncheon22212South Korea
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Falua KJ, Pokharel A, Babaei-Ghazvini A, Ai Y, Acharya B. Valorization of Starch to Biobased Materials: A Review. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14112215. [PMID: 35683888 PMCID: PMC9183024 DOI: 10.3390/polym14112215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many concerns are being expressed about the biodegradability, biocompatibility, and long-term viability of polymer-based substances. This prompted the quest for an alternative source of material that could be utilized for various purposes. Starch is widely used as a thickener, emulsifier, and binder in many food and non-food sectors, but research focuses on increasing its application beyond these areas. Due to its biodegradability, low cost, renewability, and abundance, starch is considered a "green path" raw material for generating porous substances such as aerogels, biofoams, and bioplastics, which have sparked an academic interest. Existing research has focused on strategies for developing biomaterials from organic polymers (e.g., cellulose), but there has been little research on its polysaccharide counterpart (starch). This review paper highlighted the structure of starch, the context of amylose and amylopectin, and the extraction and modification of starch with their processes and limitations. Moreover, this paper describes nanofillers, intelligent pH-sensitive films, biofoams, aerogels of various types, bioplastics, and their precursors, including drying and manufacturing. The perspectives reveal the great potential of starch-based biomaterials in food, pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, and non-food applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehinde James Falua
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada; (K.J.F.); (A.P.); (A.B.-G.)
- Department of Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering, University of Ilorin, Ilorin PMB 1515, Nigeria
| | - Anamol Pokharel
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada; (K.J.F.); (A.P.); (A.B.-G.)
| | - Amin Babaei-Ghazvini
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada; (K.J.F.); (A.P.); (A.B.-G.)
| | - Yongfeng Ai
- Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 51 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A8, Canada;
| | - Bishnu Acharya
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9, Canada; (K.J.F.); (A.P.); (A.B.-G.)
- Correspondence:
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Effect of PCL-b-PEG Oligomer Containing Ionic Elements on Phase Interfacial Properties and Aggregated Structure of PLA/PCL Blends. Macromol Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13233-022-0058-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Thermoplastic Starch with Poly(butylene adipate- co-terephthalate) Blends Foamed by Supercritical Carbon Dioxide. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14101952. [PMID: 35631835 PMCID: PMC9145724 DOI: 10.3390/polym14101952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Starch-based biodegradable foams with a high starch content are developed using industrial starch as the base material and supercritical CO2 as blowing or foaming agents. The superior cushioning properties of these foams can lead to competitiveness in the market. Despite this, a weak melting strength property of starch is not sufficient to hold the foaming agents within it. Due to the rapid diffusion of foaming gas into the environment, it is difficult for starch to maintain pore structure in starch foams. Therefore, producing starch foam by using supercritical CO2 foaming gas faces severe challenges. To overcome this, we have synthesized thermoplastic starch (TPS) by dispersing starch into water or glycerin. Consecutively, the TPS surface was modified by compatibilizer silane A (SA) to improve the dispersion with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) to become (TPS with SA)/PBAT composite foam. Furthermore, the foam-forming process was optimized by varying the ratios of TPS and PBAT under different forming temperatures of 85 °C to 105 °C, and two different pressures, 17 Mpa and 23 Mpa were studied in detail. The obtained results indicate that the SA surface modification on TPS can influence the great compatibility with PBAT blended foams (foam density: 0.16 g/cm3); whereas unmodified TPS and PBAT (foam density: 0.349 g/cm3) exhibit high foam density, rigid foam structure, and poor tensile properties. In addition, we have found that the 80% TPS/20% PBAT foam can be achieved with good flexible properties. Because of this flexibility, lightweight and environment-friendly nature, we have the opportunity to resolve the strong demands from the packing market.
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Raj I, Liang T, Qu M, Xiao L, Hou J, Xian C. Preparation of CO 2 responsive nanocellulose gel for mobility control in enhanced oil recovery. J DISPER SCI TECHNOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/01932691.2020.1798777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Infant Raj
- State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, China
- Unconventional Oil and Gas Research Institute, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, China
| | - Tuo Liang
- Unconventional Oil and Gas Research Institute, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Qu
- Unconventional Oil and Gas Research Institute, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, China
| | - Lizhi Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources and Prospecting, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, China
| | - Jirui Hou
- Unconventional Oil and Gas Research Institute, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, China
| | - Chenggang Xian
- Unconventional Oil and Gas Research Institute, China University of Petroleum, Beijing, China
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Applications of Plant Polymer-Based Solid Foams: Current Trends in the Food Industry. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11209605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Foams are a type of material of great importance, having an extensive range of applications due to a combination of several characteristics, such as ultra-low density, tunable porous architecture, and outstanding mechanical properties. The production of polymer foams worldwide is dominated by those based on synthetic polymers, which might be biodegradable or non-biodegradable. The latter is a great environmental concern and has become a major waste management problem. Foams derived from renewable resources have aroused the interest of researchers, solid foams made from plant polymers in particular. This review focuses on the development of plant polymer-based solid foams and their applications in the food industry over the last fifteen years, highlighting the relationship between their material and structural properties. The applications of these foams fall mainly into two categories: edible foams and packaging materials. Most plant polymers utilized for edible applications are protein-based, while starch and cellulose are commonly used to produce food packaging materials because of their ready availability and low cost. However, plant polymer-based solid foams exhibit some drawbacks related to their high water absorbency and poor mechanical properties. Most research has concentrated on improving these two physical properties, though few studies give a solid understanding and comprehension of the micro- to macrostructural modifications that would allow for the proper handling and design of foaming processes. There are, therefore, several challenges to be faced, the control of solid foam structural properties being the main one.
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Casanova F, Pereira CF, Ribeiro AB, Freixo R, Costa E, E. Pintado M, Fernandes JC, Ramos ÓL. Novel Micro- and Nanocellulose-Based Delivery Systems for Liposoluble Compounds. NANOMATERIALS 2021; 11:nano11102593. [PMID: 34685034 PMCID: PMC8540299 DOI: 10.3390/nano11102593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Poor aqueous solubility of bioactive compounds is becoming a pronounced challenge in the development of bioactive formulations. Numerous liposoluble compounds have very interesting biological activities, but their low water solubility, stability, and bioavailability restrict their applications. To overcome these limitations there is a need to use enabling delivering strategies, which often demand new carrier materials. Cellulose and its micro- and nanostructures are promising carriers with unique features. In this context, this review describes the fast-growing field of micro- and nanocellulose based delivery systems with a focus on the release of liposoluble bioactive compounds. The state of research on this field is reviewed in this article, which also covers the chemistry, preparation, properties, and applications of micro- and nanocellulose based delivery systems. Although there are promising perspectives for introducing these materials into various fields, aspects of safety and toxicity must be revealed and are discussed in this review. The impact of gastrointestinal conditions on the systems and on the bioavailability of the bioactive compounds are also addressed in this review. This article helps to unveil the whole panorama of micro- and nanocellulose as delivery systems for liposoluble compounds, showing that these represent a great promise in a wide range of applications.
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Biocomposite foams based on polyhydroxyalkanoate and nanocellulose: Morphological and thermo-mechanical characterization. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 164:1867-1878. [PMID: 32758612 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.07.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The application of bio-based and biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is restricted by its high cost and brittleness. In the present work, these deficiencies were overcome by the manufacture of PHBV foams using thermally expandable microspheres (TES). Nanocellulose (Nc) and a crosslinking agent were added to PHBV-TES to control the foam structure and to improve the mechanical properties. Foams with almost perfect pores, well embedded in the polymer matrix, were obtained by a simple melt molding process. The closed-cell foams have a density 2.5-2.7 times lower than that of PHBV. The addition of Nc increased the expansion ratio, cell density and porosity and also led to a more uniform cell size distribution. The incorporation of the crosslinking agent, together with Nc and TES, increased the glass transition temperature with about 7 °C and strengthened the PHBV-Nc interactions. PHBV foams showed a 1.7-3 times higher deformation compared to PHBV and absorbed up to 15 times more energy. The fully biodegradable PHBV-Nc foams obtained in this work exhibit an advantageous porosity, good specific mechanical properties and high energy absorption, being promising alternatives for insulation, packaging or biomedical application.
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Lee T, Kim S, Kim S, Kwon NY, Rho S, Hwang DS, Kim M. Environmentally Friendly Methylcellulose-Based Binders for Active and Passive Dust Control. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:50860-50869. [PMID: 33119259 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c15249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) is an essential indicator to evaluate air pollution, threatening human health. Although PM control could be achieved by using a variety of polymeric materials, identifying effective and green materials remains elusive in dust control technology. Here, we have employed environmentally friendly cellulose modified by methyl side groups, such as methylcellulose (MC)-based polymers, and evaluated their PM reduction efficiency when utilized in active and passive dust control methods, such as dust suppressants and air filters, respectively. When 25 m/s wind was applied on soil treated by MC-based polymers, PM emissions were reduced 95% or 85% lower than the soil treated by only water or the other cellulose without methyl side groups. The MC-based polymer was also effectively suppressed mineral dust from a local copper mine in Arizona with approximately 50 times lower amounts than a synthetic polymer containing methyl side groups. Furthermore, when MC-based polymers have deposited on filters of commercial face masks, the average filtration efficiency improved to greater than 99% while maintaining airflow resistance. Our results present that environmentally friendly MC-based polymers can act as dust binders that effectively agglomerate air pollutants, preventing the PM emission from dust sources and the inhalation after being suspended in the air; thus, labeling them as essential materials for advanced active and passive dust control technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taehee Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Sangsik Kim
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, POSTECH, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, POSTECH, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Samuel Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Na-Yeon Kwon
- R&D Center, ANPOLY Inc., Pohang 37666, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangchul Rho
- R&D Center, ANPOLY Inc., Pohang 37666, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Soo Hwang
- Division of Environmental Science and Engineering, POSTECH, Pohang 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Minkyu Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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Compostable, fully biobased foams using PLA and micro cellulose for zero energy buildings. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17771. [PMID: 33082364 PMCID: PMC7576603 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74478-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecological, health and environmental concerns are driving the need for bio-resourced foams for the building industry. In this paper, we examine foams made from polylactic acid (PLA) and micro cellulose fibrils (MCF). To ensure no volatile organic compounds in the foam, supercritical CO2 (sc-CO2) physical foaming of melt mixed systems was conducted. Mechanical and thermal conductivity properties were determined and applied to a net zero energy model house. The results showed that MCF had a concentration dependent impact on the foams. First structurally, the presence of MCF led to an initial increase followed by a decrease of open porosity, higher bulk density, lower expansion ratios and cell size. Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed that MCF decreased the glass transition of PLA allowing for a decrease in cell wall thickness when MCF was added. The mechanical performance initially increased with MCF and then decreased. This trend was mimicked by thermal insulation which initially improved. Biodegradation tests showed that the presence of cellulose in PLA improved the compostability of the foams. A maximum comparative mineralization of 95% was obtained for the PLA foam with 3 wt.% MCF when expressed as a fractional percentage of the pure cellulose reference. Energy simulations run on a model house showed that relative to an insulation of polyurethane, the bio-resourced foams led to no more than a 12% increase in heating and cooling. The energy efficiency of the foams was best at low MCF fractions.
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