Cellulose nanofibril/mineral composites induced by H-bond/ionic coordination in co-refining system

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Mineral fillers like precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) are used in papermaking to improve properties.
• However, high filler content can negatively impact the bonding between cellulosic fibers, limiting material performance.
• Developing methods to enhance filler-cellulosic fiber interactions is crucial for advanced paper materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a novel precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC)/cellulose nanofibril (CNF) composite material.
• To improve the interfacial interaction between mineral fillers and cellulosic fibers in paper.
• To develop a facile and scalable method for producing high-performance paper-based materials.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PCC/CNF composites using a co-refining process (CRP).
• Activation of CNF and PCC via mechanochemical effects during CRP.
• Formation of an encapsulation structure through calcium ion coordination and hydrogen bonding.

Main Results:

• The PCC/CNF composite exhibited an encapsulation structure with enhanced size stability.
• Improved interfacial interactions were observed between the composite fillers and cellulosic fibers.
• Compared to PCC alone or a PCC+CNF mixture, the tensile index of paper with the PCC/CNF composite increased by 44.48% and 12.14%, respectively.

Conclusions:

• The co-refining process (CRP) offers a scalable approach to create PCC/CNF composites.
• The developed composite significantly enhances the mechanical properties of paper by improving filler-fiber bonding.
• This work opens possibilities for specialized paper materials with high inorganic content.