RESUMEN

This study highlights the microfibrillation potential of three deep eutectic solvents (DES) composed of betaine hydrochloride-urea, choline chloride-urea and choline chloride-monoethanolamine. Cellulose fibres (eucalyptus and cotton) were first treated in DES (100 °C for 4 h) and then ground with an ultra-fine grinder to produce microfibrillated cellulose (MFC). DES pre-treatment especially betaine hydrochloride-urea system has significantly improved the microfibrillation process with reduced energy consumption comparable to that of enzymatic treatment (reference pre-treatment). Long and thin microfibril bundles (widths around 50 nm) and individualised microfibrils (widths between 5 and 10 nm) were obtained. MFC gels and nanopapers were characterised using several techniques. Nanopapers produced from DES treated MFC showed good mechanical properties with Young's modulus higher than 10 GPa. In addition, they exhibited higher quality index (between 73 and 76) than those produced from enzymatic hydrolysis (quality index around 68). DES pre-treatment is a promising way to produce MFC with high aspect ratio.

Asunto(s)

Celulosa , Disolventes Eutécticos Profundos , Solventes , Betaína , Colina , Urea

RESUMEN

This work aims to study the effects of Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) on cellulosic fibre structure. A focus was made on the induced fibrillation phenomena which could facilitate the further production of microfibrillated cellulose. Three DES of different pH (acid, neutral and alkaline), namely betaine hydrochloride-urea, choline chloride-urea and choline chloride-monoethanolamine, were tested. Eucalyptus and cotton pulps were used to investigate the effects of DES on both hemicelluloses and cellulose. Interestingly, cellulose was esterified during acidic DES treatment. Moreover, an internal and external fibrillation occurred with DES treatment without a great extent of modification in terms of chemical composition, crystallinity and degree of polymerisation. Compared to enzymatic hydrolysis (used as a conventional pre-treatment for cellulose microfibrillation), DES have significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of resulting papers. To conclude, DES treatment can be considered as a soft and green "chemical" refining that could be applied as a pre-treatment for cellulose microfibrillation.

Asunto(s)

Celulosa , Disolventes Eutécticos Profundos , Celulosa/química , Colina/química , Solventes/química , Urea/química

RESUMEN

The isolation of lignin containing micro- and nanofibrillated cellulose (L-MNFC) requires a multistep process. In this study, beech wood was pre-treated by steam explosion (SE), refined or pre-treated by 3 SE and grinded until gel formation. A conventional cooking in an autoclave (SC) was applied in order to get a control sample. The effect of bleaching of a SE pulp was also studied. The chemical composition of the pulps was assessed as well as fiber morphology to compare the effect of the different processes. Quality index and energy consumption during the production process were studied. Results showed that SE can replace SC for the production of pulps with higher lignin content: 8-12% wt. and 3% wt., respectively. Gels contain micro and nanofibrillated cellulose and residual fibers with a dispersion of lignin nanoparticles and some nanocrystals. Optimization of the ultrafine grinding step was required to minimize the energy consumption.

Asunto(s)

Celulosa , Lignina , Celulosa/química , Hidrólisis , Lignina/química , Vapor/análisis , Madera/química

RESUMEN

The development of new derivatives based on renewable natural resources using green chemistry is a concept gaining recognition in several industries. This work focused on the preparation and characterization of cellulose carbonate using dimethyl carbonate as the green reagent in ethanoic KOH solution. The effect of several reaction parameters were evaluated, i.e., temperature (25°C, 50°C, 90°C, 120°C, 150°C, and 180°C), time (6, 24, 48, and 72h), KOH concentration (15% and 30%), and the use of a catalyst (DBU). The degree of substitution (DS) of the resulting materials was evaluated by 13C CP/MAS NMR. The spectra of the prepared cellulose carbonate exhibited the main peaks associated with cellulose macromolecules (C1-C6) and those corresponding to carbonate functions at approximately 162ppm. Moreover, XPS was performed and confirmed the reaction modifications. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that 13C NMR and XPS spectra showed a significant difference in DS value, due to the difference between both techniques. However, our results from NMR and XPS experiments confirm that the major modifications during all the reactions occurred mainly at the surface. This green process opens the way for the easy production of a new class of cellulose derivatives.