(137c) Towards Standardization of Laboratory Preparation Procedure for Uniform Cellulose Nanopapers

Cellulose nanopapers, a 2D flat and foldable film made of network-forming cellulose nanofibers (CNF), are strong, tough and biodegradable materials of great interest as they have potential to replace the conventional fossil based polymers in various applications. Although there are several cellulose nanopaper preparation methods described in literature, no standard method is available in order to prepare uniform and smooth nanopapers within a practical time frame. In present study, TAPPI standard method of preparation of pulp handsheets was systemically modified/optimized to prepare flat and wrinkle free cellulose nanopapers in few hours of preparation time. Physical properties of these cellulose nanopapers such as tensile strength and water vapor transmission rate were comparable to the reported values in literature. Proposed standard preparation method will enable the comparison of the physical properties of cellulose nanopapers prepared in different studies.

Mechanical and barrier properties of optimized cellulose nanopapers (standard deviations are indicated in bracket)