Properties of paper incorporated with nanocellulose extracted using microbial hydrolysis assisted shear process

Abstract

Abstract. In the past two decades, nocellulose is widely as a renewable source for various industrial applications. Nanocellulose in the form of nanocrystalline (NCC) or nanofibrillated (NFC) has many applications, mainly in enhancing the mechanical strength of composite materials, or as precursors for supercapacitors, aerogel, hydrogel and membrane fabrication processes. In this study, microbial hydrolysis combined with shear mechanical treatment was used as an alternative method to produce nanocellulose. Commercial cellulase enzyme from Trichoderma reesei (ATCC 26921) was used to hydrolyse bleached soda cellulose from Macaranga, a tropical pioneer forest species. The enzymatic hydrolysis was followed by enzyme deactivation, purification, homogenization and sonication. Resulting nanocellose was added at 1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10% loading into 60±3 gsm laboratory handsheets prepared according to TAPPI T205 method. The handsheets were tested for physical, mechanical and optical properties based on TAPPI T220 method. Results, among others, showed that the addition of nanocellulose up to 10% can reduce the air permeability of paper by 50%. This indicates the potential applications in food and pharmaceutical packaging in which degradation due to bacterial activities can be reduced and product shelf life can be prolonged.

Production of Polyvinyl Alcohol–Alginate–Nanocellulose Fibers

“…These peaks corresponded to the crystalline structure of cellulose I 𝛽 and were related to the reflections of the (2 0 0) and (1 1 0) planes of cellulose, respectively. [49,50] The crystallinity of the NC was determined to be 61.21 ± 0.04%, which was a similar value to that obtained by Suopajärvi et al [30] (61%), who also isolated nanocellulose from used cardboard using ultrafine grinding.…”

Production of Nanocellulose and Its Applications in Drug Delivery: A Critical Review

“…For instance, Anderson et al reported 10% production yield in 62 h of enzymatic hydrolysis. Thus, researchers may couple this treatment with others such as acid hydrolysis , and homogenization (a mechanical treatment, see the High-Pressure Homogenization section) to increase the yield of production.…”

“…However, one drawback is an undesired condition in which blockage may occur which makes cleaning the equipment tedious . Several researchers have produced nanocellulose via the HPH process alone , or coupled with other techniques: ionic liquids, alkaline treatment, ,, acid hydrolysis, ,,− enzymatic hydrolysis, ,, ultrasonication, ,, bleaching, ,, steam explosion, milling, and grinding (see the Selection of Suitable Techniques section).…”

“…Ultrasonication is another mechanical technique that researchers have used alone or coupled with other techniques to produce nanocellulose (see the Selection of Suitable Techniques section): alkaline treatment, , grinding, microfluidization, biological treatment, , homogenization, , acid hydrolysis, ,, steam explosion, ionic liquids, and TEMPO-mediated oxidation . This process has the advantage of ultrasound hydrodynamic forces that form microscopic gas bubbles (cavitation) leading to mechanical oscillating power.…”

Nanocellulose Production: Exploring the Enzymatic Route and Residues of Pulp and Paper Industry

“…In the specific context of NC production, the common pH range is 4–5.8, with only a few exceptions; both Li et al [ 46 ] and Paakko et al [ 63 ] already reported the utilization of a pH of 7. This range of pH values is especially relevant for the cases when enzymatic treatment is preceded by an alkaline [ 11 , 101 ] or acidic [ 65 , 102 ] treatment, intended for hemicellulose/lignin removal, or the first step of NC production; this would require intensive washing and/or pH adjustment (e.g., dialysis) prior to the addition of enzymes.…”