Substituent distribution of propyl cellulose studied by nuclear magnetic resonance

Reconstruction of Cellulose Intermolecular Interactions from Hydrogen Bonds to Dynamic Covalent Networks Enables a Thermo-processable Cellulosic Plastic with Tunable Strength and Toughness

Its excellent renewability and biodegradability make cellulose an attractive resource to prepare fossil-based plastic alternatives. However, cellulose itself exhibits strong intermolecular hydrogen bond (H-bond) interactions, significantly restricting the mobility of cellulose chains, thus leading to poor thermo-processing performance. Here, we reconstructed the intermolecular interactions of cellulose chains via replacing the original H-bonds with dynamic covalent bonds. By this, cellulose can be easily thermo-processed into a cellulosic plastic under mild conditions (70 °C). Through adjusting the chemical structure of dynamic covalent networks, the cellulosic plastic shows tunable mechanical strength (3.0-33.5 MPa) and toughness (43-321 kJ m-2). The cellulosic plastic also exhibits excellent resistance to water, organic solvent, acid solution, alkali solution, and high temperature (>400 °C). Moreover, it owns good chemical and biological degradability and recyclability. This work provides an effective method to develop high-performance cellulosic plastics for fossil-based plastic substitution.

Modulation of surface properties of cellulose nanocrystals through adsorption of tannic acid and alkyl cellulose derivatives

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are hydrophilic nanoparticles that cannot be dispersed in non-polar solvents or hydrophobic polymer matrices. Here, we demonstrate the tunable modification of CNC surfaces by physical adsorption of tannic acid (TA) and two alkyl cellulose derivatives (ACDs), methyl cellulose (MC) and ethyl cellulose (EC), while maintaining their sustainable nature. We compare the impact of ACD adsorption when mixed with CNCs to CNCs precoated with tannic acid (CNC@TA), varying ACD weight fractions in CNC suspensions. Our results show that CNC@ACD and CNC@TA@ACD aqueous suspensions display good colloidal stability in water, while their surface properties are altered. We use a wide range of analytical techniques to characterize these suspensions, with a focus on their interaction with water. The two selected ACDs adsorb on both CNCs and CNC@TA at low fractions (ACD ≤ 10 % w/w), followed by an intermediate region of saturation between 10 % and 30 % w/w. At fractions above 30 % w/w, we observe the formation of CNC- or CNC@TA-reinforced ACD composites. Most samples can be redispersed in water upon freeze-drying, except for EC-rich samples redispersible in toluene. Our facile method for preparing ACD-coated CNCs allows for the creation of a range of nanomaterials with modulable wetting and emulsification properties.

Functionality and characterization of modified starch films with pineapple leaf fibers

The objective of this work was to modify banana starch with pineapple leaf fibers (PALF) and its production of biodegradable films. The reaction conditions of the starch modification were a Starch/PALF mass ratio of 50, a time of 1 h and a temperature of 140 °C, to obtain a yield of 41.18 %. Characterization by FTIR and NMR confirmed that the chemical reaction was carried out. XRD and TGA analysis showed that the crystalline zones of the starch were affected during the modification and the product obtained is thermally less stable compared to unmodified starch. The modified starch showed a lower pasting profile compared to the native starch; however, the modified starch showed the ability to form a film. The starch-PALF films were obtained by the casting method and partially characterized. These films presented better mechanical properties compared to the unmodified films. Also, these films could compete with conventional non-biodegradable plastics.

In situ monitoring of cellulose etherification in solution: probing the impact of solvent composition on the synthesis of 3-allyloxy-2-hydroxypropyl-cellulose in aqueous hydroxide systems

Cellulose etherification can be affected by tuning the solvent composition as indicated by monitoring the reaction using in situ IR spectroscopy and rheology measurements together with NMR characterisation.