Characterization and properties of hybrid foams from nanocellulose and kaolin-microfibrillated cellulose composite

Published: 2020

Author(s):
Gonzalez-Ugarte, A.
Hafez, I.
Tajvidi, M.

Publication Name: Scientific Reports

Publication URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-73899-z

Research Area:
Keywords:

Abstract:

Hybrid nanocellulose-based foams are a desirable class of low-density and porous materials for their potential in many applications. This study aims at characterizing and understanding the structure-properties relationship of four foam formulations prepared from combinations of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and kaolin-microfibrillated cellulose composite. All the foams were crosslinked with a polyamide-epichlorohydrin crosslinker (Polycup) to impart stability under wet conditions without additional functionalization. Foams containing 25 wt% kaolin exhibited excellent shape recovery promoted by a higher load of crosslinker (5 wt%), and superior compressive properties. The addition of CNC at 33.3 wt% and 50 wt% did not seem to enhance the properties of the foam and also reduced the specific surface area. A preliminary comparative study between the four tested formulations was conducted to assess the feasibility of the foam as an adsorbent of methylene blue dye.