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Redispersion and structural change evaluation of dried microfibrillated cellulose
Luiz Eduardo Silva1, Allan de Amorim Dos Santos1, Lennard Torres2
1Forest Science Dept., Federal University of Lavras, P.O. Box 3037, 37200-000, Lavras, MG, Brazil.
Carbohydrate Polymers
|November 13, 2020
Summary
Drying microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) causes aggregation, especially at higher temperatures. Room temperature drying preserves MFC structure and properties, making it a viable commercialization method.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Commercializing microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) is challenging due to its aggregation tendency after drying.
- Understanding the impact of drying conditions on MFC properties is crucial for its industrial application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of drying and redispersion cycles at various temperatures on microfibrillated cellulose (MFC).
- To evaluate the morphological, crystalline, and mechanical changes in MFC after different drying treatments.
- To determine the optimal drying conditions for maintaining MFC quality for potential commercialization.
Main Methods:
- Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) samples underwent multiple drying/redispersion cycles at 20 °C, 75 °C, and 100 °C.
- Morphological analysis using microscopy, particle size measurements, and water stability tests were performed.
- Crystallinity and crystallite size were analyzed using X-ray diffraction.
- Mechanical performance of MFC films was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Severe aggregation of MFC was observed after 5 drying/redispersion cycles, particularly at 75 °C and 100 °C.
- MFC dried at 20 °C maintained similar particle size and web-like structure to the control, exhibiting good suspension stability.
- Increased crystallinity and crystallite size were noted with drying cycles at higher temperatures (75 °C and 100 °C).
- Drying/redispersion cycles, especially at elevated temperatures, led to reduced mechanical performance due to aggregation.
Conclusions:
- Oven-drying (75 °C and 100 °C) is unsuitable for preserving MFC quality due to significant aggregation and property degradation.
- Drying MFC at room temperature (20 °C) is a feasible method that maintains suspension stability, morphology, and mechanical properties comparable to never-dried MFC.
- Room temperature drying offers a promising approach for the commercialization of microfibrillated cellulose by mitigating aggregation issues.
