The researchers found that using enzyme-treated CNFs with the mass colloider was more efficient in drying and refining the fibers, meaning that they could use less energy to produce the CNFs. Nanocellulose is extracted from cellulose, the basic component of plant cell walls. CNFs can be used to strengthen materials like plastics and in additive manufacturing (3D Printing) feedstocks as an alternative to some petroleum-based materials. By placing CNF into plastics, strong, stiff, and recyclable bio-derived material systems can be developed.
As a bio-based material, CNF could rival the properties of steel, and its successful incorporation into plastics shows great promise for a renewable feedstock suitable for additive manufacturing. Nanocellulose is helping to build the forest products of the future.
Spray Drying Enzyme-Treated Cellulose Nanofibrils
Sungjun Hwang, Colleen C. Walker, Donna Johnson, Yousoo Han, and Douglas J. Gardner
Enzyme-treated cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) were produced via a lab-scale mass colloider using bleached kraft pulp (BKP) to evaluate their processability and power requirements during refining and spray-drying operations. To evaluate the energy efficiency in the CNF refining process, the net energy consumption, degree of polymerization (DP), and viscosity were determined. Less energy was consumed to attain a given fines level by using the endoglucanase enzymes. The DP and viscosity were also decreased using the enzymes. The morphological properties of the enzyme-pretreated spray-dried CNF powders (SDCNFs) were measured. Subsequently, the enzyme-pretreated SDCNFs were added to a PP matrix with MAPP as a coupling agent. The mixture was then compounded through a co-rotating twin-screw extruder to determine whether the enzyme treatment of the CNFs affects the mechanical properties of the composites. Compared to earlier studies on enhancing PMCs with SDCNF powders, this research investigates the use of enzyme-pretreated SDCNF powders. It was confirmed that the strength properties of PP increased by adding SDCNFs, and the strength properties were maintained after adding enzyme-pretreated SDCNFs.
Advanced Structures & Composites Center