Journal of Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology

Extraction of cellulose nanofibrils from pulp using enzymatic treatment and evaluation of their papermaking potential

9^th Nano Congress for Next Generation

August 01-02, 2016 Manchester, UK

Ajay K Singh

IIT Roorkee, India

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Nanomed Nanotechnol

Abstract:

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) have shown potential of their extensive use in various fields, including papermaking, due to their unique characteristics. In this study, CNF's were prepared by fibrillating the pulp obtained from raw materials e.g. bagasse, hardwood and softwood using enzymatic pretreatment followed by mechanical refining. These nanofibrils, when examined under FESEM, show that partial fibrillation on the fiber surface has resulted in production of nanofibers. Mixing these nanofibers with unrefined and normally refined fibers shows their reinforcing effect. This effect is manifested in observing improvement in the physical and mechanical properties e.g. tensile index and burst index of paper. Tear index, however, was observed to decrease on blending with the nanofibers. The optical properties of the paper sheets made from blended fibers showed no significant changes in comparison to those made from only mechanically refined pulp. Blending also showed increase in °SR and consequent decrease in drainage rate. These changes observed in mechanical, optical and other physical properties of the paper sheets made from nanofibrils blended pulp have been tried to explain considering the distribution of the nanofibrils alongside microfibrilsin the fibrous network. Since usually, paper/boards with higher strength are observed to have diminished optical properties which are a drawback in their quality, the present work could lead to developing a new technology of making paper with improved strength along with undiminished optical properties utilizing the concepts of nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Biography :

Email: ajaycorr1953@gmail.com