Production of low-density and high-strength paperboards by controlled micro-nano fibrillation of fibers

• Published in: Journal of materials science 2023-11, Vol.58 (44), p.17126-17137
• Main Authors: Ahadian, Hamidreza, Ceccherini, Sara, Sharifi Zamani, Elaheh, Phiri, Josphat, Maloney, Thaddeus
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abnormalities; Bonding strength; cell walls; Cellulose; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Classical Mechanics; Crystallography and Scattering Methods; Density; Fiber optic networks; Fibers; Fibrillation; industry; Materials Science; Muscle contraction; Osmosis; osmotic pressure; Packaging industry; paperboard; Phosphate esters; Phosphates; Phosphorylation; Polymer Sciences; Polymers & Biopolymers; pulp; Sodium; Solid Mechanics; solvents
• ISSN: 0022-2461; 1573-4803
• DOI: 10.1007/s10853-023-09097-9

One of the critical challenges in the fiber-based packaging industry is to produce low-density paperboards with high functionality and attractive cost structure. In this study, we examine how control of the hierarchical fiber swelling can be used to enhance bonding and generate a low-density fiber network with excellent strength properties. Here, the osmotic pressure inside the cell wall is increased by adding phosphate groups with a deep eutectic solvent (DES) functional drying method. Together with mechanical refining, this process causes the fibril aggregates to split and swell up massively. This effect was measured by a novel thermoporosimetry analysis method. The treated fibers have enhanced external fibrillation, fibrillar fines and bonding potential. When mixed with relatively stiff, unrefined fibers, a well-bonded sheet with lower density than a conventionally refined reference sheet was achieved. The results suggest that pulp fibers can be “nanoengineered” to enhance performance without the complications of producing and adding nanocellulose.