Simple Preparation of Cellulosic Lightweight Materials from Eucalyptus Pulp

Autor(es)

Ferreira, Elisa S. ^[1] ; Rezende, Camila A. ^[1]

Afiliação do(s) autor(es)

^[1] Univ Estadual Campinas, Inst Chem, POB 6154, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
• Fonte: ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING; v. 6, n. 11, p. 14365-14373, NOV 5 2018.
• Citações Web of Science: 3

Resumo

Cellulosic foams and aerogels are prepared from cellulose fibers and nanostructures and display interesting properties, such as extremely low density, high fluid permeability, and sound and heat insulation. Currently, the most common techniques to obtain such porous matrices are gel or foam forming, followed by freeze drying or critical point drying, which are energy and time-consuming processes for solvent removal. In this work, we present a new methodology to produce cellulosic lightweight materials from eucalyptus pulp, using fibers partially hydrolyzed with sulfuric acid. This method is based on a drying step easily performed at mild temperatures in a convection oven and eliminates the need of more sophisticated drying techniques. In addition, the procedure does not require surfactants or special foam forming equipment. Micro-CT and FESEM analysis showed the formation of a porous and lightweight material (density as low as 0.15 g/cm(3)), where the fibers are randomly assembled in a 3D network with a few contact points. Mechanical testing reveled that foams have great performance under compressive strain, with high mechanical energy absorption (ca. 360 kJ/m(3)). This purely cellulosic material is suitable for the incorporation of particles or functional groups aiming a wide range of final applications. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 16/13602-7 - Estudo sobre estratégias para o aproveitamento integral da biomassa lignocelulósica
• Beneficiário: Camila Alves de Rezende
• Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Programa BIOEN - Regular