Process Development for Flexible Films of Industrial Cellulose Pulp Using Superbase Ionic Liquids

Abstract

Due to environmental concerns, more attention has been given to the development of bio-based materials for substitution of fossil-based ones. Moreover, paper use is essential in daily routine and several applications of industrial pulp can be developed. In this study, transparent films were produced by industrial cellulose pulp solubilization in tetramethylguanidine based ionic liquids followed by its regeneration. Films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV/Vis spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal analysis (TG), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical tests showed that films have a good elongation property, up to 50%, depending on ionic liquid incorporation. The influence of the conjugated acid and dissolution temperature on mechanical properties were evaluated. These results revealed the potential of this methodology for the preparation of new biobased films.

Disposable Food Packaging and Serving Materials—Trends and Biodegradability

“…Therefore, modifications of these material are still being sought after. Transparent films by industrial cellulose pulp solubilization in tetramethylguanidine-based ionic liquids were investigated by Ribeiro et al [ 77 ]. Carboxymethyl cellulose, an ionic, water-soluble derivative of cellulose, is one of the most promising cellulose derivatives, characterized by good surface properties, mechanical strength, tunable hydrophilicity, viscous properties, availability, and low-cost synthesis process [ 78 ].…”

Scaling-Up an Aqueous Self-Degassing Electrochemically Mediated ATRP in Dispersion for the Preparation of Cellulose–Polymer Composites and Films

“…For the preparation of films, the class of conjugated acid-base ionic liquids (ABILs) has been developed, which has expanded the range of solvents for the preparation of cellulosic materials due to their chemical and thermal stability, low volatility, high solvation capacity, and potential recyclability. We have recently reported a route for the formation of cellulose films using cellulose dissolved in the ABIL tetramethylguanidinium acetate [TMG][OAc] [28]. This work proceeds in two phases:…”

“…For the preparation of films, the class of conjugated acid-base ionic liquids (ABILs) has been developed, which has expanded the range of solvents for the preparation of cellulosic materials due to their chemical and thermal stability, low volatility, high solvation capacity, and potential recyclability. We have recently reported a route for the formation of cellulose films using cellulose dissolved in the ABIL tetramethylguanidinium acetate [TMG][OAc] [28]. This work proceeds in two phases: (1) the synthesis of suitable cellulose-based materials by a self-degassing, large-volume, galvanostatic seATRP up to 1000 mL, and (2) the use of some synthesized materials to tune the properties of cellulose-based films using a dissolution/regeneration method.…”

“…Typical film preparation: Both cellulose dissolution and film preparation are performed by following the procedures introduced in our previously reported work, with small changes [28]. Briefly, the ABIL was prepared by adding first TMG (14 mL, 0.11 mol) to a round bottom flask and heated at T = 90 • C. Then, acetic acid (HOAc) was slowly added under stirring to TMG, to achieve a 1:1 molar ratio mixture.…”

“…However, the use of ethanol does not allow an effective ABIL removal from the film. Therefore, to obtain films, mixture of celluloses were dissolved, using cellulose pulp as our recent work [28] and cellulose-g-PNIPAAm (50/50 wt.%), to obtain a 6 wt.% solution. Then, the procedure was similar, but spread solution was placed into water regeneration bath for a better ABIL removal.…”