Fusion of cellulose microspheres with pulp fibers: Creating an unconventional type of paper

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Cellulose microspheres (CMS) are a type of spherical regenerated cellulose particles with versatile properties which have been used as carrier materials in medical and technical applications. The integration of CMS into paper products opens up novel application scenarios for paper products in a wide range of fields. However, the incorporation of CMS carriers into paper products is challenging and hitherto no reports do exist in literature. Here, we present a feasibility study to incorporate up to 50 w.% CMS in paper hand sheets using retention aids. Our primary observations highlight the successful formation of uniform paper hand sheets retaining its tensile strengths at elevated CMS concentrations. Sheets with high CMS contents exhibit an increase in density and display enhanced surface smoothness — an outcome of a CMS layer forming atop the fiber base — which effectively bridges voids and rectifies surface irregularities as supported by Gurley testing, infinite focus microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. While our primary objective centered on the general feasibility to manufacture CMS-containing papers, the resulting composite scaffold carries significant potential as a platform for innovative, functional paper-based materials.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number122207
JournalCarbohydrate Polymers
Volume338
Publication statusPublished - 15 Aug 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85191310668
ORCID /0000-0002-1217-2008/work/159172135
Mendeley 8e23201d-d24a-3af6-999e-483b8c3c6561

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Hand sheets, Cellulose microspheres, Pulp fibers, Paper, Cellulose beads