The overall properties of any fibre-based product are largely determined by the individual fibre properties and the properties of the fibre-fibre joints. Considering that the size and the heterogenous nature of wood fibres make it difficult to create and handle individual fibre-fibre joints, we resort to use well-characterized model surfaces to help us understand the molecular interactions between fibres and to be able to predict their behavior as well as to control the effect of surface modification and its impact on bulk mechanical properties of materials prepared from modified fibres. In this project we are using regenerated nanometer smooth cellulose beads along with uniform wet spun cellulose nanofibril (CNF) filaments as model surfaces to create model fibre-fibre joints.<br/>The Layer-by-Layer (LBL) assembly technique was used to build up polyelectrolyte multilayers on the surface of the cellulose beads, the CNF filaments as well as on pulp fibres. The fibre-fibre joints were modeled using 2 systems; bead/bead and filament crosses creating model joints which were fractured and the joint strength was evaluated. Moreover, the LBL treated pulp fibres were used to prepare paper sheets and their mechanical properties were also assessed. The aim of the developed methodology is to provide a rapid assessment of the surface treatments and how they contribute to the joint strength as well as help us clarify the mechanisms occurring at the interface of cellulosic materials during the making and the breaking of the joint.

Model cellulose materials: Predicting fibre-fibre joint strength and bulk mechanical properties

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.