Cellulose nanofibers made from waste printing and writing papers and its effect on the properties of recycled paper

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

TMU

Abstract

In the current research, the feasibility of producing cellulose nanofibers from waste printing and writing paper and its potential for application as an additive in recycled pulp was considered. Although the origin of pulps for producing nanofibers were recycled ones, but they were hardly converted into nanofibers by mechanical force after mild acid pretreatment by applying 8% wt. of pure sulfuric acid relative to amounts of dry fibers in the pulp suspension with 1% consistency at 70°C for 1 hour. Analysis of nanofibers by transmission electron microscopy showed the successful production of fibers with nano-diameter (25-50 nanometer). Then, the ability of this product to improve the strength properties of recycled paper and also its effect on drainage of pulp (as one of the most important process properties) were investigated. In this regard, these cellulose nanofibers were added to the recycled fibers at 0, 3, 6 and 9% consumption levels (based on dry weight of pulp) with 1500 rpm agitation for 10 minutes. Results showed that all dosages of cellulose nanofibers had a positive effect on strength properties. The highest dosage of nanofibers improved the tensile and tear indices 31% and 17%, respectively. Also, nanofibers application didn’t change the opacity and brightness of the produced sheets. In addition, pulp drainage was decreased significantly by applying nanofibers. The results of current study showed the potential of nanofibers produced from recycled fibers for improving the properties of final papers, especially the mechanical ones and more aspects can be considered deeply in future investigations.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Wood and Paper Industries
Volume 12, Issue 2
September 2021
Pages 185-194

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