Cellulose nanomaterials (CNs) are of increasing interest due to their appealing inherent properties such as bio-degradability, high surface area, light weight, chirality and the ability to form effective hydrogen bonds across the cellulose chains or within other polymeric matrices. Extending CN self-assembly into multiphase polymer structures has led to useful end-results in a wide spectrum of products and countless innovative applications, for example, as reinforcing agent, emulsion stabilizer, barrier membrane and binder. In the current contribution, after a brief description of salient nanocellulose chemical structure features, its types and production methods, we move to recent advances in CN utilization as an ecofriendly binder in several disparate areas, namely formaldehyde-free hybrid composites and wood-based panels, papermaking/coating processes, and energy storage devices, as well as their potential applications in biomedical fields as a cost-effective and tissue-friendly binder for cartilage regeneration, wound healing and dental repair. The prospects of a wide range of hybrid materials that may be produced via nanocellulose is introduced in light of the unique behavior of cellulose once in nano dimensions. Furthermore, we implement some principles of colloidal and interfacial science to discuss the critical role of cellulose binding in the aforesaid fields. Even though the CN facets covered in this study by no means encompass the great amount of literature available, they may be regarded as the basis for future developments in the binder applications of these highly desirable materials.

/pdf/cellulose-nanomaterials-binding-properties-and-applications-4bv247d94f.pdf

Cellulose Nanomaterials—Binding Properties and Applications: A Review

Wound healing has been intensely studied in order to develop an “ideal” technique that achieves expeditious recovery and reduces scarring to the minimum, thus ensuring function preservation. The classic approach to wound management is represented by topical treatments, such as antibacterial or colloidal agents, in order to prevent infection and promote a proper wound-healing process. Nanotechnology studies submicroscopic particles (maximum diameter of 100 nm), as well as correlated phenomena. Metal nanoparticles (e.g., silver, gold, zinc) are increasingly being used in dermatology, due to their beneficial effect on accelerating wound healing, as well as treating and preventing bacterial infections. Other benefits include: ease of use, less frequent dressing changes and a constantly moist wound environment. This review highlights recent findings regarding nanoparticle application in wound management.

https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/12/13/2176/pdf

Nanomaterials for Wound Healing and Infection Control.

https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2019/GC/C8GC03746A

Future opportunities for bio-based adhesives – advantages beyond renewability

The use of polysaccharide-based materials presents an eco-friendly technological solution, by reducing dependence on fossil resources while reducing a product’s carbon footprint, when compared to conventional plastic packaging materials. This review discusses the potential of polysaccharides as a raw material to produce multifunctional materials for food packaging applications. The covered areas include the recent innovations and properties of the polysaccharide-based materials. Emphasis is given to hemicelluloses, marine polysaccharides, and bacterial exopolysaccharides and their potential application in the latest trends of food packaging materials, including edible coatings, intelligent films, and thermo-insulated aerogel packaging.

Prospect of Polysaccharide-Based Materials as Advanced Food Packaging.

Technological performance of formaldehyde-free adhesive alternatives for particleboard industry

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) were investigated as a binder in the formulation of particleboard (PB) panels. The panels were produced in four different groups of target densities with varying amounts of CNF binder. The produced panels were then tested to determine the modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bond (IB), water absorption (WA), and thickness swelling (TS) properties. Density gradients through the thickness of the panels were evaluated using an X-ray density profiler. The effect of drying on the strength development and adhesion between CNF and wood particles (WP) was investigated, and the effect of surface roughness on the wood-CNF bonding strength was evaluated through lap shear testing and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that at lower panel densities, the produced samples met the minimum standard values recommended for particleboard panels. Medium-density panels met the standard levels for IB, but they did not reach the recommended values for MOR and MOE. The possible bonding mechanism and panel formation process are discussed in light of microscopic observations and the results of lap shear tests were presented.

https://ojs.cnr.ncsu.edu/index.php/BioRes/article/download/BioRes_12_2_4093_Amini_Utilization_Cellulose_Nanofibrils/5261

Utilization of Cellulose Nanofibrils as a Binder for Particleboard Manufacture

Cellulose and lignocellulose nanofibril suspensions and films: A comparison.

The novel use of aqueous suspensions of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) as an adhesive/binder in lignocellulosic-based composite manufacture requires the removal of a considerable amount of water from the furnish during processing, necessitating thorough understanding of the dewatering behavior referred to as “contact dewatering”. The dewatering behavior of a wood-CNF particulate system (wet furnish) was studied through pressure filtration tests, centrifugation, and characterization of hard-to-remove (HR) water, i.e. moisture content in the wet furnish at the transition between constant rate part and the falling rate part of evaporative change in mass from an isothermal thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effect of wood particle size thereby particle specific surface area on the dewatering performance of wet furnish was investigated. Permeability coefficients of wet furnish during pressure filtration experiments were also determined based on Darcy’s law for volumetric flow through a porous medium. Results revealed that specific particle surface area has a significant effect on the dewatering of wet furnish where dewatering rate significantly increased at higher specific particle surface area levels. While the permeability of the systems decreased over time in almost all cases, the most significant portion of dewatering occurred at very early stages of dewatering (less than 200 seconds) leading to a considerable increase in instantaneous dewatering when CNF particles come in contact with wood particles.

/pdf/dewatering-behavior-of-a-wood-cellulose-nanofibril-p3q366o4hg.pdf

Ezatollah Amini

Papers

Cellulose Nanomaterials—Binding Properties and Applications: A Review

Utilization of Cellulose Nanofibrils as a Binder for Particleboard Manufacture

Cellulose and lignocellulose nanofibril suspensions and films: A comparison.

Dewatering Behavior of a Wood-Cellulose Nanofibril Particulate System

Flexible polyurethane foams reinforced with organic and inorganic nanofillers