Extraction and characterization of cellulosic nanowhisker obtained from discarded cotton fibers

This study aimed to characterize cellulose nanowhiskers extracted from discarded cotton fibers. The nanocellulose was characterized by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM), Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). The nanocrystals are characterized by a rod-like morphology with sizes between 100 nm and 300 nm. The acidic hydrolyses applied to the extract nanocrystals increased the crystallinity index from 72 to 86%. The average length and diameter obtained were 98.1±4.7 and 8.0±3.4 nm, respectively. The aspect ratio of the fibers, around 12.3, was lower than the values usually reported in the literature. The dynamic light scattering results were in accordance with the nano crystal dimensions showing an average size of 235 nm. Cellulose nanowhiskers obtained from cotton rejected by textile industry due to their abundance, low cost, high crystallinity, strength, low weight and biodegradability, are the ideal candidates for the processing of polymer nanocomposites.(undefined

Starch Plastic Packaging and Agriculture Applications

Paper constitutes the most important material in the United States for packaging and containers largely because of its low cost and wide availability (WPO, 2008). It is also perceived as a sustainable material because it is derived from plants and is recycled at a very high percentage (62%) (EPA, 2010). Plastic ranks as the second most used packaging material in the United States. Plastics can provide transparency, greater moisture protection, and various mechanical properties that are superior to paper packaging. Consequently, some types of plastic packaging continue to grow faster than other packaging materials (WPO, 2008). In contrast to paper, only 7% of plastic generated as waste is recycled. This explains why more plastics ultimately end up in landfills than paper or any other packaging material (EPA, 2010). Plastic processors worldwide are becoming increasingly aware that environmentally sustainable packaging has become mainstream. It can no longer be considered only a niche market that can be ignored or given token attention. Informed consumers are demanding sustainable packaging; state and local governments are mandating it; and now, even the largest retailers are building it into the foundation of their marketing strategies (Deligio, 2009; Wood, 2010)

Accelerated testing methodology for long-term life prediction of cellulose-based polymeric composite materials

This chapter reviews literature concerning reports on the failure mechanisms that are commonly experienced in the techniques that have been developed to predict life expectancy of polymeric composite materials. It summarizes the main degradation mechanisms in polymeric composite materials, techniques used for estimating the life expectancy of polymers, standards for life prediction, and the properties of cellulose-based polymeric composites. The case study demonstrated the effects of incorporating cellulose derived from several resources to the properties of sand-cement block. The compressive strength of sand-cement block incorporated with bacterial cellulose was evaluated for three different periods. Results showed that bacterial cellulose nanofibers enhance the durability of bricks by increasing their compressive strength up to 27% and reducing the permeability and density of the sand-cement block. In conclusion, accelerated methodology is useful as a potential tool or vehicle for shelf life prediction of composite polymeric materials

A delineating procedure to retrieve relevant publication data in research areas: the case of nanocellulose

Advances concerning publication-level classification system have been demonstrated striking results by dealing properly with emergent, complex and interdisciplinary research areas, such as nanotechnology and nanocellulose. However, less attention has been paid to propose a delineating method to retrieve relevant research areas on specific subjects. This study aims at proposing a procedure to delineate research areas addressed in case nanocellulose. We investigate how a bibliometric analysis could provide interesting insights into research about this sustainable nanomaterial. The research topics clustered by a Publication-level Classification System were used. The procedure involves an iterative process, which includes developing and cleaning a set of core publication regarding the subject and an analysis of clusters they are associated with. Nanocellulose was selected as the subject of study, but the methodology may be applied to any other research area or topic. A discussion about each step of the procedure is provided. The proposed delineation procedure enables us to retrieve relevant publications from research areas involving nanocellulose. Seventeen research topics were mapped and associated with current research challenges on nanocellulose.Merit, Expertise and Measuremen