Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), also known as nanofibrillated cellulose, is a natural nanomaterial derived from plant cell wall components. It consists of nanosized cellulose fibrils with high aspect ratios. Typically, MFC fibrils have diameters ranging from 5 to 50 nanometers and lengths up to several micrometers.
Production of Microfibrillated Cellu
MFC is produced through mechanical disintegration of cellulose pulp fibers using processes like grinding, high-pressure homogenization, microfluidization, or refining. During these defibrillation processes, the amorphous regions between cellulose microfibrils are selectively removed, resulting in the separation of bundled microfibrils.
The pulp is initially pre-treated through processes like enzymatic treatment or oxidative bleaching to lower energy consumption during defibrillation. It is then passed through a high-pressure homogenizer multiple times at pressures up to 1500 bar to individualize the microfibrils. Alternative processes like microfluidization also utilize high pressures and shear forces to peel off microfibrils. The ultrafine fibrils formed have a high aspect ratio and gel-like properties.
Properties and Characterization of MFC
Microfibrillated Cellulose has unique material properties arising from its nanoscale dimensions and high aspect ratios. Its high surface area of up to 150 m2/g facilitates strong intermolecular interactions and rheological changes. MFC suspensions form viscous gels at very low concentrations below 1% due to entanglements and hydrogen bonding between individual fibrils.
Under an optical microscope or atomic force microscope, MFC appears as long, entangled networks of thin, flexible nanofibers. Transmission electron microscopy reveals fibrils with diameters in the nanometer range. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the semicrystalline structure with cellulose I structure. The nanofibrillar morphology results in high mechanical strength, optical transparency, and barrier properties.
Applications of Micro Cellulose
Due to its excellent material properties, MFC finds wide application as a renewable nanofiller and rheology modifier. Some key application areas of MFC include:
Paper and Packaging: MFC improves paper strength, printability, barrier properties and enables production of lightweight paperboards. It is used as a coating or additive for paper cups, food packaging, etc.
Composites: MFC is used to reinforce polymer matrices like thermoplastics, elastomers and concretes through film casting, compression molding, 3D printing etc. MFC-based nanocomposites have 40-60% higher stiffness and strength than base materials.
Paints and Coatings: MFC enhances gloss, stability and mechanical properties of water-based paints and coatings. It enables production of hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings.
Personal Care: MFC enables manufacture of natural and sustainable personal care products with improved aesthetics, stability and formulation efficiency. It is used in cosmetics, sunscreens, moisturizers, etc.
Biomedical Applications: MFC films, hydrogels and scaffolds show potential in biomedical areas like wound healing, tissue engineering and drug delivery due to biocompatibility.
Outlook for Microfibrillated Cellulose
MFC has attracted significant interest from both academia and industry as a sustainable and renewable nanomaterial. Its widespread application is mainly limited by high production costs involving energy-intensive defibrillation processes. Researchers are exploring lower energy methods and integration with biorefineries to reduce costs.
Development of scalable and economical production techniques will be crucial to commercialize diverse MFC-based products. The inherent biodegradability, biocompatibility and tunable functional properties of MFC position it well for a variety of advanced applications in the future. With further technological advancement, MFC is poised to become an important green nanomaterial for the development of novel sustainable materials.
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