Shuaijun Wang¹, Wenqiong Tu^1,*

The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.25, No.2, pp. 1-1, 2023, DOI:10.32604/icces.2023.09926

Abstract Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and the continuously assembled microfibers have shown transversely isotropic behavior in many studies. Due to fact that the size of CNFs and the assembled microfibers is at the nano and micro scale, respectively, the characterization of their mechanical properties is extremely challenge. That greatly hinders the accurate multi-scale modeling and design of CNFs-based materials. In our study, we have characterized the elastic constants of both CNFs microfibers and CNFs through a Multi-scale Optimization Inversion technology. Through the tensile test of CNFs microfibers reinforced resin with different volume fractions and the micromechanics model of microfibers reinforced resin, the… More >

Liying Song¹, Xixiang Pei², Rui Li¹, Haitao Chen^1,*, Xiaozheng Sun^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.8, No.10, pp. 1269-1282, 2020, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2020.010923

Abstract Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are promising sustainable materials that can be applied to nanocomposites, as well as medical and life-sciences devices. However, methods for the preparation of these important materials are energy intensive because heating and mechanical disintegration are required to produce cellulose fibers below 100 nm in size. In this study, CNFs were prepared through the multi-site regioselective oxidation of cellulose with 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) and periodate at room temperature (20–25°C), without any mechanical-disintegration treatment. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the CNFs had the average widths of 14.1, 55.4, and 81.9 nm for three different treatments. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed… More >

Emanoele Maria Santos Chiromito¹, Eliane Trovatti², Antonio Jose Felix Carvalho^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.7, No.5, pp. 403-413, 2019, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2019.01846

Abstract Despite the great potential of cellulose wood pulp and cellulose nanofibrils as reinforcing filler in thermoplastics, its use is limited due to its tendency to form agglomerates and due to its high hydrophilic character. Here we describe fiberboard composites with high contents of wood pulp or cellulose nanofibrils, and a resin of poly (styrene-methyl-methacrylate-acrylic acid) used as water-based emulsion. Cellulose wood pulp and cellulose nanofibrils were used directly in the form of water suspensions. The method is based on the flocculation of the polymer emulsion followed by agglomeration of a mixture of the polymer emulsion and cellulose suspension, leading to… 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 >

Mehdi Tajvidi^1*, Douglas J. Gardner², Douglas W. Bousfield³

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.4, No.5, pp. 365-376, 2016, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2016.634103

Abstract A novel application of cellulose nanomaterials, particularly cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) as a binder in conventional and novel laminate and particulate composite systems is discussed. Using cellulose nanomaterials as a reinforcing agent in conventional polymer composites faces several difficulties: 1) there are no easy ways to dry the CNF and maintain nanoscale dimensions, 2) there are compatibility issues related to cellulose-polymer bonding, and 3) there are issues related to obtaining a good distribution and redispersion of nanoscale materials inside a polymer matrix. An alternative strategy is applications in which cellulose nanomaterials can be used in the aqueous suspension form without first… More >

Craig Clemons

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.4, No.5, pp. 327-339, 2016, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2016.634112

Abstract Continuous fibers are commonly manufactured for a wide variety of uses such as filters, textiles, and composites. For example, most fibrous reinforcements (e.g., carbon fiber, glass fiber) for advanced composites are continuous fibers or yarns, fabrics, and preforms made from them. This allows broad flexibility in design and manufacturing approaches by controlling fiber orientation and architecture. However, there has been growing interest in preparing continuous fibers from biobased materials such as plants. Of particular recent interest are nanocelluloses, which are projected to be less expensive than many other nanomaterials and have the potential to be produced in large volumes. They… More >

Nicole M. Stark

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.4, No.5, pp. 313-326, 2016, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2016.634115

Abstract Performance requirements for packaging films may include barrier properties, transparency, flexibility, and tensile strength. Conventional packaging materials, such as plastic films and laminates, are typically made from petroleum-based polymers. Currently, there is a drive to develop sustainable packaging materials. These alternative materials must be able to be manufactured economically and on a commercial scale, exhibit barrier properties and transparency, and provide adequate mechanical performance. As a biobased, renewable material, cellulose nanomaterials (CNs) are ideally suited to be used in sustainable packaging applications. CNs include cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) and each can provide benefit to packaging films. Manufactured… More >

Ronald Sabo^1*, Aleksey Yermakov², Chiu Tai Law³, Rani Elhajjar⁴

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.4, No.5, pp. 297-312, 2016, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2016.634114

Abstract Cellulose nanomaterials have a number of interesting and unique properties that make them well-suited for use in electronics applications such as energy harvesting devices, actuators and sensors. Cellulose nanofibrils and nanocrystals have good mechanical properties, high transparency, and low coefficient of thermal expansion, among other properties that facilitate both active and inactive roles in electronics and related devices. For example, these nanomaterials have been demonstrated to operate as substrates for flexible electronics and displays, to improve the efficiency of photovoltaics, to work as a component of magnetostrictive composites and to act as a suitable lithium ion battery separator membrane. A… More >