Abstract
As a prospective raw material, lignin containing papermaking fibers can be easily recycled, dissolved with proper solvents and reused. However, in order to utilize this material, more eco-friendly green dissolution methods are also required. As a green solvent, ionic liquids (ILs) have been attracted too much interest in processing of lignocellulosic biopolymers, but the practical effect of lignin on this process was not clear. In this due, production of lignocellulosic bio-composite films from bleached (lignin-free) and unbleached (lignin-containing) soda pulps was studied. First, fibers were dissolved in 1-Buthyl 3-Methyl Imidazolium Chloride (BMIMCL) at 85-95 °C. Following fabrication and preparation of the lignocellulosic films, certain mechanical and physical properties of cellulose composite films were analyzed. FESEM and XRD analytical methods were applied to study the product morphology and structure. Microscopic studies showed both fibers were disappeared in the ionic liquid in less than 1 h, although the unbleached fibers took more time for complete dissolution. The results indicated that the films produced from unbleached pulp had less tensile strength and more dynamic contact angle with water droplet than the ones produced from bleached pulp. Moreover, the optical tests revealed that the lignin resulted in less transparency of the films, but increased absorption of UV radiations. This implies that even impure lignocellulose feedstock can have promising features.
Export citation and abstract BibTeX RIS
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 licence. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.