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Cellulose-Based Films with Ultraviolet Shielding Performance Prepared Directly from Waste Corrugated Pulp
Guangmei Xia1, Qiwen Zhou1, Zhen Xu1
1State Key Laboratory of Biobased Material and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250353, China.
Polymers
|October 13, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a novel method to convert waste corrugated cartons into valuable cellulose-based films. These eco-friendly films offer superior UV shielding and mechanical properties, presenting a sustainable alternative to petrochemical plastics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Green Chemistry
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Waste corrugated cartons (WCCs) are abundant but degrade with recycling.
- Developing high-value applications for WCCs is crucial for sustainability.
- Petrochemical plastics like polyethylene have environmental drawbacks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To valorize waste corrugated cartons (WCCs) by converting them into high-value cellulose-based films.
- To investigate the properties of cellulose-based films derived directly from WCCs.
- To offer a sustainable alternative to petrochemical packaging materials.
Main Methods:
- Direct dissolution of WCCs in the ionic liquid 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride without pretreatment.
- Fabrication of semitransparent cellulose-based films.
- Regeneration of cellulose films from deionized water.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated semitransparent cellulose-based films from WCCs.
- Cellulose films exhibited enhanced UV-shielding and hydrophobicity compared to traditional cellulose films.
- Regenerated films showed superior tensile strength (23.16 MPa), elongation at break, and toughness, outperforming polyethylene (8.95 MPa).
Conclusions:
- Waste corrugated cartons can be effectively converted into high-value, renewable, and biodegradable cellulose-based films.
- These films offer a sustainable and high-performance alternative to petrochemical plastics for packaging applications.
- The developed method promotes the valorization of WCCs and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.
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