The Impact of the Mechanical Modification of Bacterial Cellulose Films on Selected Quality Parameters

This study investigated the effect of the homogenization of bacterial cellulose particles and their reintegration into a membrane on the mechanical and physical parameters of the films produced from them in relation to films made of native cellulose (not subjected to the homogenization process). Bacterial cellulose was obtained from a culture of microorganisms forming a conglomerate of bacteria and yeast, called SCOBY. The research has shown that the mechanical modification of bacterial cellulose contributes to an increase in the elongation of the material. Modified polymer films were characterized by a higher Young’s modulus and a much higher breaking force value compared to native cellulose. The mechanical modification of cellulose contributed to an increase in hygroscopicity and changes in water vapor permeability. The obtained results may provide significant information on the methods of modifying bacterial cellulose, depending on its various applications.

Inherently Distinctive Potentialities and Uses of Nanocellulose Based on its Nanoarchitecture

Native cellulose is mainly found in phytomass, such as trees and other plants. It has a regular hierarchical nanoarchitecture, in which the extended macromolecular chains are aligned and closely packed in parallel to form the crystalline nanofibrils of cell walls. In the context of material utilization, nanocellulose is a collective term for nano-ordered assemblies of cellulose chains. In recent times, it has been produced in large quantities from woody bioresources. In addition, nanocellulose has some fascinating physicochemical properties, such as high strength, light weight, transparency, birefringence, and low thermal expansion. These properties have enabled broad functional design of nanocellulose-based materials; but most of them are facing serious competition from various products that already exist. However, nanocellulose is not just a green alternative to existing materials. Rather, it is expected to make a profound difference in terms of pioneering novel functions. The present review focuses on the unexpected features of nanocellulose materials, triggered by details of the inherent nanoarchitecture of native cellulose.

A finger-jointing model for describing nanostructures of cellulose microfibrils

We propose a finger-jointing model to describe the possible nanostructures of native cellulose microfibrils based on new observations obtained through thermal decomposition of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) oxidized cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) in saturated water vapor. We heated the micrometers-long TEMPO-CNFs in saturated water vapor (≥ 120 °C, ≥ 0.2 MPa) for ≤ 8 h. The long TEMPO-CNFs unzipped into short (100 s of nanometers long) cellulose nanowhiskers (CNWs). We characterized the CNWs using Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, observing similar spectra as TEMPO-CNFs. Thus, the native cellulose microfibrils are not seamlessly long structures, but serial “jointed structures” of CNWs. The finger-jointing model implies a “working and resting rhythm” in the biosynthesis of cellulose. CNWs are highly dispersible in water and polar organic solvents, and are much easier to combine with other classes of polymers at nano-levels. The findings can enhance the feasibility and applicability of native cellulose to achieve sustainable development goals.

Strong reinforcement effects in 2D cellulose nanofibril–graphene oxide (CNF–GO) nanocomposites due to GO-induced CNF ordering

Nanocomposites from native cellulose with low 2D nanoplatelet content are of interest as sustainable materials combining functional and structural performance.