Cellulosic nanofibrils prepared by using 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO) are an interesting raw material for biodegradable films. TEMPO-oxidation combined with mild mechanical fibrillation is an easy method to produce homogeneous nanofibrils from various ligno-cellulosic materials. Films prepared from TEMPO-oxidized fibrils have excellent barrier properties.Pulp is a practical material for nanofibril production by TEMPO-oxidation. However, its carbohydrate composition varies depending on wood species used for pulping. In our research we have investigated the effects of hemicellulose content on freestanding nanofibril film properties. Films were prepared from TEMPO-oxidized and fibrillated hardwood pulps, whose hemicellulose content were controlled by using alkaline extractions and enzymatic treatments. The retention of hemicelluloses on the TEMPO-oxidzied nanofibrils was probed by size exclusion chromatography and HPLC. The effect of residual hemicelluloses on the air permeability and strength properties of thenanofibril films were further examined.

Effect of hemicellulose content on the properties of TEMPO-fibrillated cellulose films

239th National Meeting (2010)

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