Lignin-Based High-Performance Fibers by Textile Spinning Techniques

As a major component of lignocellulosic biomass, lignin is one of the largest natural resources of biopolymers and, thus, an abundant and renewable raw material for products, such as high-performance fibers for industrial applications. Direct conversion of lignin has long been investigated, but the fiber spinning process for lignin is difficult and the obtained fibers exhibit unsatisfactory mechanical performance mainly due to the amorphous chemical structure, low molecular weight of lignin, and broad molecular weight distribution. Therefore, different textile spinning techniques, modifications of lignin, and incorporation of lignin into polymers have been and are being developed to increase lignin’s spinnability and compatibility with existing materials to yield fibers with better mechanical performance. This review presents the latest advances in the textile fabrication techniques, modified lignin-based high-performance fibers, and their potential in the enhancement of the mechanical performance.

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Chemical Composition and Thermal Behavior of Kraft Lignins

Forests ◽

10.3390/f10060483 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 483 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Aleš Ház ◽

Michal Jablonský ◽

Igor Šurina ◽

František Kačík ◽

Tatiana Bubeníková ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Weight ◽

Molecular Weight Distribution ◽

Weight Distribution ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Activation Energies ◽

Industrial Applications ◽

Raw Material ◽

Molecular Weight Determination ◽

Two Samples ◽

Process Measurements

Lignin has great potential for utilization as a green raw material or as an additive in various industrial applications, such as energy, valuable chemicals, or cost-effective materials. In this study, we assessed a commercial form of lignin isolated using LignoBoost technology (LB lignin) as well as three other types of lignin (two samples of non-wood lignins and one hardwood kraft lignin) isolated from the waste liquors produced during the pulping process. Measurements were taken for elemental analysis, methoxyl and ash content, higher heating values, thermogravimetric analysis, and molecular weight determination. We found that the elemental composition of the isolated lignins affected their thermal stability, activation energies, and higher heating values. The lignin samples examined showed varying amounts of functional groups, inorganic component compositions, and molecular weight distributions. Mean activation energies ranged from 93 to 281 kJ/mol. Lignins with bimodal molecular weight distribution were thermally decomposed in two stages, whereas the LB lignin showing a unimodal molecular weight distribution was decomposed in a single thermal stage. Based on its thermal properties, the LB lignin may find direct applications in biocomposites where a higher thermal resistance is required.

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Study on Performance and Blending Techniques of Corn Fibers

Key Engineering Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/kem.480-481.21 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 480-481 ◽

pp. 21-25

Author(s):

Mei Li

Keyword(s):

Molecular Weight ◽

Polylactic Acid ◽

High Performance ◽

Corn Fiber ◽

Raw Material ◽

Cotton Fibers ◽

High Transparency ◽

Heat Resistant ◽

Polymeric Fiber ◽

Corn Fibers

Corn fiber is a polymeric fiber made from corn as the raw material. Wide applications have been found for corn fibers in recent years and many progresses on the study of corn fibers have been made as well. The performance of corn fiber is determined by the molecular weight of polylactic acid. Corn fibers have some professional properties, such as high transparency, well-heat-resistant stability, well-coloring, and full biodegradability, as well as the feature in ecological recycle. These means the corn fibers are new-typical and green, full-environmental fibers. The corn fibers can be blended with other fibrin fibers with good hygroscopic to get products of high-performance and low in price. The blending techniques of corn fibers with color cotton fibers and corn fibers with Richcel and lambsdown are studied and developed in this paper and good social and economical benefits have been achieved.

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Superbase-based protic ionic liquids for cellulose filament spinning

Cellulose ◽

10.1007/s10570-020-03505-y ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Sherif Elsayed ◽

Michael Hummel ◽

Daisuke Sawada ◽

Chamseddine Guizani ◽

Marja Rissanen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Properties ◽

Ionic Liquids ◽

Mechanical Performance ◽

Cellulose Fibers ◽

Fiber Spinning ◽

Regenerated Cellulose ◽

Market Demand ◽

Protic Ionic Liquids ◽

Rheological Characterization ◽

Spinning Process

Abstract Lyocell fibers have received increased attention during the recent years. This is due to their high potential to satisfy the rising market demand for cellulose-based textiles in a sustainable way. Typically, this technology adopts a dry-jet wet spinning process, which offers regenerated cellulose fibers of excellent mechanical properties. Compared to the widely exploited viscose process, the lyocell technology fosters an eco-friendly process employing green direct solvents that can be fully recovered with low environmental impact. N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) is a widely known direct solvent that has proven its success in commercializing the lyocell process. Its regenerated cellulose fibers exhibit higher tenacities and chain orientation compared to viscose fibers. Recently, protic superbase-based ionic liquids (ILs) have also been found to be suitable solvents for lyocell-type fiber spinning. Similar to NMMO, fibers of high mechanical properties can be spun from the cellulose-IL solutions at lower spinning temperatures. In this article, we study the different aspects of producing regenerated cellulose fibers using NMMO and relevant superbase-based ILs. The selected ILs are 1,5-diazabicyclo[4.3.0]non-5-ene-1-ium acetate ([DBNH]OAc), 7-methyl-1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0] dec-5-enium acetate ([mTBDH]OAc) and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-enium acetate ([DBUH]OAc). All ILs were used to dissolve a 13 wt% (PHK) cellulose pulp. The study covers the fiber spinning process, including the rheological characterization of the various cellulose solutions. Moreover, we discuss the properties of the produced fibers such as mechanical performance, macromolecular properties and morphology. Graphic abstract

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Polysulfone hemodialysis membrane incorporated with Fe2O3 for enhanced removal of middle molecular weight uremic toxin

Malaysian Journal of Fundamental and Applied Sciences ◽

10.11113/mjfas.v16n1.1464 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 1-5

Author(s):

Noresah Said ◽

Muhammad Nidzhom Zainol Abidin ◽

Hasrinah Hasbullah ◽

Ahmad Fauzi Ismail ◽

Pei Sean Goh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Molecular Weight ◽

High Performance ◽

Average Pore Size ◽

Pure Water ◽

Uremic Toxin ◽

Average Pore ◽

Water Contact ◽

Spinning Process ◽

Water Transport Properties ◽

Hemodialysis Membrane

Removing middle molecular weight uremic toxin remains as one of the most challenging tasks in hemodialysis. Hence, in this study a high performance polysulfone (PSf) hemodialysis membrane was developed by incorporating iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles. The PSf/Fe2O3 hemodialysis membrane and pristine PSf membrane were prepared via dry-wet spinning process. The membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, water contact angle, average pore size, and porosity measurements. The biocompatibility profiles of the membranes were also evaluated in terms of protein adsorption and blood coagulation time. Next, the performance of the membranes was determined by measuring pure water permeability (PWP), bovine serum albumin rejection, and removal of various solutes such as urea and lysozyme. The incorporation of Fe2O3 resulted in significant increment of the PWP from 40.74 L/m2/h/bar to 58.6 L/m2/h/bar, mainly due to the improved water transport properties of the membrane. Moreover, the percent removal of urea and lysozyme was reported to be 75.1% and 35.6%, respectively. PSf/Fe2O3 hemodialysis membrane is proven to have a bright prospect for enhanced blood purification process.

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Twist-film gel spinning of large-diameter high-performance ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene monofilaments

Textile Research Journal ◽

10.1177/0040517516669079 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 87 (19) ◽

pp. 2323-2336 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Xudong Fang ◽

Jing Shi ◽

Tom Wyatt ◽

Donggang Yao

Keyword(s):

Molecular Weight ◽

Solvent Extraction ◽

High Molecular Weight ◽

High Performance ◽

Large Diameter ◽

High Strength ◽

Gel Spinning ◽

Solvent Removal ◽

Spinning Process ◽

Ultra High Molecular Weight

A twist-film gel spinning process was developed for large-diameter high-performance ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) monofilaments. By using polybutene as a spin-solvent, film twisting was demonstrated to be an effective method for solvent removal; approximately 70% of solvent contained in the gel film can be removed simply by film twisting. This mechanical solvent removal process also makes conventional solvent extraction proceed significantly faster. Besides improved solvent extraction efficiency, large-diameter high-strength UHMWPE monofilaments (with diameters of about 80 µm and strength exceeding 3.2 GPa) can be produced with this process, which is difficult to achieve using conventional processes. The capability of making large-diameter high-strength monofilaments may allow new products of UHMWPE to be developed in a number of high-performance applications.

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Comparative study of different catalysts for the direct conversion of cellulose to sorbitol

Green Processing and Synthesis ◽

10.1515/gps-2014-0091 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 4 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Lucília S. Ribeiro ◽

José J.M. Órfão ◽

Manuel Fernando R. Pereira

Keyword(s):

Direct Conversion ◽

Single Step ◽

Raw Material ◽

Added Value ◽

Supported Metal Catalysts ◽

One Pot ◽

Hydrolytic Hydrogenation ◽

Renewable Raw Material ◽

Pre Treatment ◽

The One

AbstractThe catalytic conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to obtain high added value compounds and fuels is a rapidly developing field. Given the abundance of this renewable raw material and its reduced impact on the food chain, it is an attractive source for obtaining chemicals or fuels in the context of a sustainable economy. In this work, bi-functional catalysts were developed that were capable of performing in a single step the hydrolysis and hydrogenation of cellulose to produce compounds that may be used in the production of fine chemicals or easily converted into fuels (e.g., sorbitol). Different activated carbon (AC) supported metal catalysts were examined for the one-pot hydrolytic hydrogenation of cellulose. Among the prepared catalysts, 0.4% Ru/AC was shown to be the most active and selective for the conversion of cellulose into sorbitol. When microcrystalline cellulose was used, a conversion of 32% was reached after 5 h of reaction, with a selectivity to sorbitol of 30%. Moreover, ball-milled cellulose allowed attaining conversions over 50%, with selectivities to sorbitol of 45%. The results obtained showed that Ru/AC is effective for the hydrolytic hydrogenation of cellulose to sugar alcohols and that the conversion can be greatly improved by using the substrate after pre-treatment by ball-milling.

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Acid Free Oxidation and Simple Dispersion Method of MWCNT for High-Performance CFRP

Nanomaterials ◽

10.3390/nano8110912 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (11) ◽

pp. 912 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Gerald Singer ◽

Philipp Siedlaczek ◽

Gerhard Sinn ◽

Harald Rennhofer ◽

Matej Mičušík ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Performance ◽

Mechanical Performance ◽

Industrial Applications ◽

Mechanical Tests ◽

Processing Route ◽

Limiting Factor ◽

Ultrasonic Dispersion ◽

Surrounding Matrix ◽

Wide Range ◽

Cost Efficient

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) provide an outstanding property spectrum which can be used to improve a wide range of materials. However, the transfer of properties from the nanoscale to a macroscopic material is a limiting factor. Different approaches of functionalizing the surface of a CNT can improve the interaction with the surrounding matrix but is connected to difficult and expensive treatments, which are usually inconvenient for industrial applications. Here, a simple and eco-friendly method is presented for the oxidation of CNT, where hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is the only chemical needed and no toxic emissions are released. Also, the extensive step of the incorporation of CNT to an epoxy matrix is simplified to an ultrasonic dispersion in the liquid hardener component. The effectiveness is proven by mechanical tests of produced CNT/CFRP and compared to a conventional processing route. The combination of those simple and cost efficient strategies can be utilized to produce multiscale composites with improved mechanical performance in an ecological and economical way.

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Fabrication of High-Performance Bamboo–Plastic Composites Reinforced by Natural Halloysite Nanotubes

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules25092259 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (9) ◽

pp. 2259

Author(s):

Xiaobei Jin ◽

Jingpeng Li ◽

Rong Zhang ◽

Zehui Jiang ◽

Daochun Qin

Keyword(s):

Thermal Stability ◽

High Performance ◽

Moisture Absorption ◽

Mechanical Performance ◽

Halloysite Nanotubes ◽

Industrial Applications ◽

High Concentration ◽

Morphological Studies ◽

Plastic Composites ◽

The Impact

Bamboo-plastic composites (BPCs) as new biomass-plastic composites have recently attracted much attention. However, weak mechanical performance and high moisture absorption as well as low thermal stability greatly limit their industrial applications. In this context, different amounts of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) were used as a natural reinforcing filler for BPCs. It was found that the thermal stability of BPCs increased with increasing HNT contents. The mechanical strength of BPCs was improved with the increase in HNT loading up to 4 wt% and then worsened, while the impact strengths were slightly reduced. Low HNT content (below 4 wt%) also improved the dynamic thermomechanical properties and reduced the water absorption of the BPCs. Morphological studies confirmed the improved interfacial compatibility of the BPC matrix with 4 wt% HNT loading, and high-concentration HNT loading (above 6 wt%) resulted in easy agglomeration. The results highlight that HNTs could be a feasible candidate as nanoreinforcements for the development of high-performance BPCs.

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NANOPARTICLE MODIFICATION OF NATURAL FIBERS FOR STRUCTURAL COMPOSITES

10.12783/asc36/35868 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

AMY LANGHORST ◽

ANSHUL SINGHAL ◽

DEBORAH MIELEWSKI ◽

MIHAELA BANU ◽

ALAN TAUB

Keyword(s):

Carbon Footprint ◽

High Performance ◽

Focused Ion Beam ◽

Mechanical Performance ◽

Natural Fiber ◽

Ion Beam ◽

Glass Fibers ◽

Natural Fibers ◽

Industrial Applications ◽

Low Carbon

Natural fibers are a lightweight, carbon negative alternative to synthetic reinforcing agents in polymer composites. However, natural fibers typically exhibit lower mechanical performance than glass fibers due to weak interfacial adhesion between plant cells in the fiber and damage to the fibers during extraction from a plant stem. However, improvement of natural fiber mechanical performance could enable their wide-scale incorporation in structural composite applications, significantly reducing composite weight and carbon footprint. This study seeks to develop a novel, cost-effective method to significantly improve natural fiber stiffness via repair of damage caused by extraction and/ or stiffening of the weak cellular interfaces within a natural fiber. Supercritical fluids have been shown to be capable of swelling and plasticizing amorphous polymers, increasing additive absorption. In this work. supercritical-carbon dioxide (scCO2) was used as a solvent to assist with infusion of nanoparticles into flax fibers at pressures ranging from 1200-4000psi. Fiber analysis with Plasma Focused Ion Beam-Scanning Electron Microscopy (PFIB-SEM) showed that nanoparticles were capable of penetrating and bridging openings between cells, suggesting the ability for nanoparticle treatment to assist with crack repair. Additionally, treated fibers contained uniform surface coatings of nanoparticles, potentially reducing fiber porosity and modifying interfacial properties when embedded in a polymer matrix. Overall, this method of nanoparticle reinforcement of natural fibers could enable development of high-performance lightweight, low-carbon footprint composites for transportation or industrial applications.

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Highlights on the properties of the soda-lime-silicate glass residue that enable its use as filler in ultra-high performance concrete

Research Society and Development ◽

10.33448/rsd-v10i3.13801 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. e59310313801

Author(s):

João Victor da Cunha Oliveira ◽

Frankslale Fabian Diniz de Andrade Meira ◽

Kennedy Flávio Meira de Lucena

Keyword(s):

High Performance ◽

Mechanical Performance ◽

High Performance Concrete ◽

Mineralogical Composition ◽

Soda Lime ◽

Raw Material ◽

Ultra High Performance Concrete ◽

X Ray ◽

Soda Lime Silicate Glass ◽

Processed Form

The exponential advancement of cutting-edge technologies in the scope of civil construction, seeks to give cement-based materials the eco-efficient potential linked to mechanical performance that enables different applications. This work aims to evaluate the glass residue regarding the pozzolanic potential through ABNT NBR 5752:2014, as well as to verify whether through the characterization tests of x-ray fluorescence, x-ray diffraction and laser diffraction granulometry, if it is viable of application as supplementary cementitious material (filler), in ultra-high performance concrete. The glass residue submitted to the tests proposed in this study, was crushed in a jaw crusher, milled in a bench ball mill at 47 rpm, and was sieved in a 75 µm opening mesh (ABNT nº 200 mesh). For the test of pozzolanic activity, CP II F-40 class cement, normal sand, water from the public supply network, and superplasticizer additive were used for the mix with 25% of the residue replacing cement, while for the other characterization techniques, the glass residue was applied in its processed form (after sieving), dry or wet. The evaluated glass residue did not reach the minimum rate of 75% established by ABNT NBR 5752:2014, achieving only 45.72%, being classified as non-pozzolanic, which indicates its inert behavior in the presence of calcium hydroxide. The characterization tests confirmed, based on the specialized literature on ultra-high performance concrete, its viability as a filler when adopted as an alternative raw material for presenting chemical and mineralogical composition, in addition to granulometric distribution, very close to those used in studies that demonstrated satisfactory results when using the glass residue as an input.

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