Rajendran Muthuraj, Abhishek Sachan, Mickael Castro*, Jean-François Feller, Bastien Seantier*, Yves Grohens

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.6, No.3, pp. 277-287, 2018, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2017.634182

Abstract In this work, thermally insulating and electrically conductive aerogels were prepared from cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by environmentally friendly freeze-drying process. The thermal conductivity of neat CNF aerogel is 24 mW/(m·K) with a density of 0.025 g/cm3. With the addition of CNTs into CNF aerogel, the electrical conductivity was significantly increased while the thermal conductivity was increased to 38 mW/(m·K). Due to these interesting properties, the Seebeck coefficient and the figure of merit (ZT) of the CNF/CNTs aerogels were measured and showed that CNF/CNTs aerogel thermoelectric properties can be improved. The compressibility and electrical resistance of the… More >

Maxime Pontié^1*, Serge Foukmeniok Mbokou^1,2, Jean-Philippe Bouchara¹, Bienvenue Razafimandimby¹, Sylvie Egloff¹, Ornella Dzilingomo¹, Pierre-Yves Pontalier³, Ignas Kenfack Tonle<

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.6, No.3, pp. 242-250, 2018, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2017.634169

Abstract Electrochemical determination of paracetamol (PCT) was successfully performed using carbon paste electrodes (CPEs) modified with treated coffee husks (CHt) or cellulose powder (Ce). Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize unmodified or modified CPEs prior to their use. The electrochemical oxidation of PCT was investigated using square wave voltammetry (SWV) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The oxidation current density of PCT was two-fold higher with the CPE-CHt sensor and 30% higher with CPE-Ce in comparison with the unmodified CPE, and this correlated with the higher hydrophilicity of the modified electrodes. Using SWV for the electrochemical analysis of PCT, carbon paste electrode… More >

Christophe Olivier^1,2, Jean Bruno Mougel^1,2, Patricia Bertoncini¹, Celine Moreau², Isabelle Capron², Bernard Cathala², Olivier Chauvet^1*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.6, No.3, pp. 237-241, 2018, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2017.634168

Abstract Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have a high ability to disperse single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in aqueous media and to form hybrids. These hybrids are used to grow layer-by-layer thin films of controlled thickness. Thanks to the presence of SWNTs, these films are conducting. In this article, we describe the process by which the CNC/SWNT hybrids are obtained and discuss the electrical properties of the hybrid-based layer-by-layer films. More >

Lars Helmlinger¹, Yejun Zhu¹, Julia Gensel¹, Thomas Neumeyer¹, Stefan Thäter², Franziska Strube², Christoph Bauer², Bernd Rosemann², Volker Altstädt^1*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.6, No.3, pp. 219-225, 2018, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2017.634161

Abstract Due to a lack of technology, smaller breweries simply dump excess CO2 into the atmosphere, fueling the greenhouse effect and global warming. State-of-the-art CO2 capture technologies using nanofibrillated cellulose are expensive and require laborious freeze-drying. Consequently, there is a high demand for affordable alternatives in order to reduce the environmental impact in this industry sector. This work describes a novel route for a quick and cost-efficient synthesis of amine-functionalized cellulose pellets by a surfactant-assisted steam explosion process. Typical values with this method were porosity of 92% and density of 67 g/cm³. Investigations on polyethylenimine (PEI) content and distribution revealed a… More >

Cristiane S. Farinas*, José Manoel Marconcini, Luiz Henrique C. Mattoso

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.6, No.2, pp. 203-216, 2018, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2017.6341578

Abstract The conversion of sugarcane lignocellulosic biomass into fuels, chemicals and high-value materials using the biochemical pathway is considered the most sustainable alternative for the implementation of future biorefineries. Actually, the first large-scale cellulosic ethanol plants that have started operating worldwide apply the enzymatic hydrolysis process to convert biomass into simple sugars that are fermented to ethanol by yeasts. However, several technological challenges still need to be addressed in order to obtain commercially competitive products. This review describes current challenges and perspectives regarding the enzymatic hydrolysis step for processing sugarcane lignocellulosic biomass within the biorefinery. Recent developments in terms of process… More >

Rafael Grande^1*, Eliane Trovatti², Maria Tereza B. Pimenta³, Antonio J. F. Carvalho¹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.6, No.2, pp. 195-202, 2018, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2018.634109

Abstract Research involving the preparation of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) from sugarcane bagasse is a relevant topic to the production of new nanomaterials and more accessible cellulose substrates for the production of second generation ethanol. Regarding the transformation of cellulose into glucose, the precursor of second generation ethanol, this nanosized cellulosic substrate represents a more appropriate material for the chemical hydrolysis process. The high aspect ratio of MFC improves hydrolysis, requiring mild conditions and decreasing the generation of by-products. Here, MFC was prepared from sugarcane bagasse by ultrasound defibrillation. This material was oxidized with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-N-oxyl (TEMPO) to produce negatively charged high defibrillated… More >

Marcelo M. Oliveira^1,2, Antônio A. S. Curvelo^2,3, Carlos Driemeier^1*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.6, No.2, pp. 152-159, 2018, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2017.6341576

Abstract Lignocellulose conversion into cellulosic ethanol and coproducts starts with a pretreatment step. Most current industrial plants of cellulosic ethanol use thermochemical pretreatments under hydrothermal conditions, with or without addition of acid catalyst. Such pretreatments modify biomass chemistry and morphology, particularly at the nanoscale. In this work, we use X-ray diffraction, dynamic vapor sorption and calorimetric thermoporometry to investigate the biomass nanostructural changes promoted by hydrothermal conditions. We compare and differentiate the rind and pith fractions of sugarcane stalks in order to contribute to the understanding of rind-pith contrasting recalcitrance. Moreover, for both cane fractions our results point consistently to cellulose… More >

S.H. Hassan^1,2, Lee Hwei Voon^1*, T.S. Velayutham^2*, Lindong Zhai³, Hyun Chan Kim³, Jaehwan Kim³

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.6, No.1, pp. 1-25, 2018, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2017.634173

Abstract Cellulose is a renewable biomass material and natural polymer which is abundantly available on Earth, and includes agricultural wastes, forestry residues, and woody materials. The excellent and smart characteristics of cellulose materials, such as lightweight, biocompatibility, biodegradability, high mechanical strength/stiffness and low thermal expansibility, have made cellulose a high-potential material for various industry applications. Cellulose has recently been discovered as a smart material in the electroactive polymers family which carries the name of cellulose-based electroactive paper (EAPap). The shear piezoelectricity in cellulose polymers is able to induce large displacement output, low actuation voltage, and low power consumption in the application… More >

Weijun Yang^1†, Xiaomin Zhao^2†, Elena Fortunati¹, Franco Dominici¹, Jose M. Kenny¹, Debora Puglia^1*, De-Yi Wang^2*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.5, No.5, pp. 423-434, 2017, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2017.634146

Abstract Presented herein is a deep investigation of the fire, mechanical and thermal performances of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based nanocomposites, which were obtained by combining cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) with various contents of N,N’-diallyl-phenylphosphoricdiamide (P-AA) via a two-steps masterbatch melt extrusion process (glycidyl methacrylate grafting on PLA and CNC premixing with PLA). Results have shown that the value of the limiting oxygen index (LOI) increased to 28.8% and a V-0 rating in UL94 test was obtained when 2 wt% of P-AA was added in the presence of cellulose nanocrystals (3 wt%). The incorporation of CNC induced a decrease of both PHRR and THR… More >

Liqing Wei¹, Shupin Luo², Armando G. McDonald², Umesh P. Agarwal¹, Kolby C. Hirth¹, Laurent M. Matuana³, Ronald C. Sabo^1* , Nicole M. Stark^1*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.5, No.5, pp. 410-422, 2017, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2017.634144

Abstract Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are renewable and sustainable filler for polymeric nanocomposites. However, their high hydrophilicity limits their use with hydrophobic polymer for composite materials. In this study, freeze-dried CNCs were modified by transesterification with canola oil fatty acid methyl ester to reduce the hydrophilicity. The transesterified CNCs (CNCFE) were compounded with PLA into nanocomposites. CNCFE with long-chain hydrocarbons plays a role as plasticizer. Increasing CNCFE loadings resulted in clear plasticizing effects. Lower Tg and Tm were achieved for CNCFE-based nanocomposites. Plasticizing nanocomposite melt with CNCFE can mitigate the degradation of CNCs during thermal processing. The elongation at break of nanocomposites… More >