Investigating the effect of butanediol diglycidyl ether on the crosslinking of nanocellulose

This study was focused on the preparation of an environmentally friendly nanocellulose based hydrogel in the form of pads. Hydrogels are hydrophilic three dimensional network with crosslinks, swells in water but don’t dissolve. In this research nanofibrillated cellulose and Hydroxyethyl cellulose with different ratio (1:1, 2:1, 3:1) were used to make hydrogel. Also, citric acid which has a significant advantage over other crosslinking agents in terms of toxicity and price, has been used in different amounts of 10% and 20% by weight to crosslink. In order to find optimal hydrogel preparation conditions, FTIR analysis, FESEM, time dependent swelling measurement and evaluating the thermal and rheological properties were performed. Samples with a lower ratio of nanocellulose to hydroxyethyl cellulose were found to be inappropriate due to the loss of their apparent integrity in the swelling measurement. According to FTIR results, cross-linking were performed only in samples with the highest ratio of nanocellulose to hydroxyethyl cellulose in different amounts of citric acid. Therefore, the hydrogels' characteristics were mainly influenced by the ratio of nanocellulose to hydroxyethyl cellulose and the amount of citric acid had less effect on these properties. These two successful final samples showed acceptable properties in other evaluated properties and led to the selection of optimal reactive ratios for the preparation of hydrogels for use in various industries, including the pharmaceutical industry

Investigation of the storage time on color properties and chemical compositions of particle board made from bagasse

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of storage time on the color and chemical compounds of bagasse particleboard made. For this purpose, the three levels of stored and fresh bagasse from karoon particleboard Company were used. In addition, the chemical compositions were determined according to the TAPPI test methods and also biometrical (slenderness ratio) was done using the fiber dimension measured by Franklin method. The results showed that the amount of lignin was different in the stored samples at three levels, but the difference in the amount of cellulose and extractive was not observed. The results illustrated that the color changes in the stored bagasse were more than fresh sample. Identification of the microorganisms in stored samples was done and results showed that most of microorganisms were bacteria and yeast. The results showed that the storage time can significantly effect the color and physical properties of stored bagasse

Biodegradation and ecotoxicological impact of cellulose nanocomposites under Controlled Composting Conditions

The biodegradability of cellulose nananofiber-PVA nanocomposites were studied under controlled composting conditions and the quality of the compost was evaluated. The nanocomposite based on PVA with 5, 10, 20 and 30 wt % of CNF was prepared by using liquid nitrogen and freeze drying techniques. Specimens were buried in compost obtained from municipal solid waste of a compost Factory, Karaj municipality, Iran, for 150 days. The biodegradability of materials was assessed by calculation the visual observation, weight loss, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chemistry and transparency (FTIR). The ecotoxicological impact of compost samples was evaluated via plant growth tests with cress and spinach. Biodegradation studies of the films during municipal solid waste confirmed that the biodegradation time of PVA/CNF films greatly depends on the CNF content. The SEM analysis showed that the biodegradability of the films at surface of the samples (deep pores and cracks) was increased with increased the CNF content. By considering the ecotoxicological test using plants growth, it seems that all nanocomposite and pure PVA did not generate a negative effect on germination or development of the vegetal species

Method of acetylation of cellulose nanofibers.

The present invention relates to a method of acetylation of cellulose fibers, wherein pulped fibers are acetylated, the acetylated fibers are processed to acetylated nanofibers and subsequently the acetylated nanofibers are isolated. The method of the invention provides a novel processing route to produce cellulose nanofibers with more hydrophobic surfaces