The past two decades, focus has been directed towards lignocellulosic biomass valorization as a possible alternative of fossil resources. The production and development of nanocellulose-based materials is in particular promising for diverse applications, such as insulation, packaging, or electronic.<br/>Most studies on nanocellulose use bleached wood pulp for producing cellulose nanofibers (CNF) by high-shear mechanical treatment. Unbleached wood pulp containing residual lignin, hemicelluloses and extractives is an attractive low-cost raw material to consider for the production of lignocellulose nanofibers (LCNF). The use of lignin can enhance the resistance of cellulose materials to moisture and bacteria; two challenges that limit the use of cellulose-based materials in many important applications.<br/>Here, we investigate the influence of residual and synthesized lignin on the structural, mechanical and thermal properties of anisotropic CNF- and LCNF-based foams. CNF and LCNF were produced from unbleached and bleached softwood pulps, respectively, using a supermasscolloider grinder. Commercially available Kraft (K-L) and sulfonate (NaS-L) lignins were combined in different weight ratios with the CNF and LCNF suspensions for the production of anisotropic composite foams with a controlled lignin content by ice templating.<br/>The lightweight composite foams displayed a higher toughness and moisture resistance than neat CNF foams. The foams thermal conductivity at different relative humidity and temperatures will be presented and the potential of lignocellulose foams to be used as thermally insulating green materials will be discussed.

Anisotropic composite foams from lignocellulosic biomass: Mechanical and thermal properties

255th National Meeting (2018)

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