Process Development for Flexible Films of Industrial Cellulose Pulp Using Superbase Ionic Liquids

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Green Chemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Growing environmental concerns drive the need for bio-based materials to replace fossil-based ones.
• Industrial cellulose pulp offers a sustainable resource for developing novel materials.
• Paper and cellulose-derived products are integral to daily life and various industries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To produce transparent films from industrial cellulose pulp via ionic liquid solubilization and regeneration.
• To investigate the influence of ionic liquid composition and processing conditions on film properties.
• To evaluate the potential of this method for creating new bio-based films.

Main Methods:

• Cellulose pulp solubilization using tetramethylguanidine-based ionic liquids.
• Regeneration of cellulose to form transparent films.
• Characterization using FTIR, SEM, UV/Vis, 1H-NMR, DSC, TG, and XRD.
• Mechanical testing to assess film properties, including elongation.

Main Results:

• Transparent cellulose films were successfully produced.
• Films demonstrated good elongation properties, reaching up to 50%, influenced by ionic liquid incorporation.
• The study analyzed the impact of the conjugated acid and dissolution temperature on mechanical performance.

Conclusions:

• The ionic liquid-assisted method is effective for preparing transparent bio-based cellulose films.
• The developed films show promising mechanical properties, particularly elongation.
• This methodology presents a viable route for producing sustainable, bio-based materials from industrial cellulose pulp.