Production and characterization of nanofibrillated cellulose powder

Abstract

The objective of this work was the characterization of nanofibrillated cellulose powder (NFC) from Pinus sp. bleached kraft pulp. First, nanofibrillated cellulose was produced by the mechanical defibrillation process at the Super Masscolloider Masuko Sangyo mill using five passes. Subsequently, to obtain nanofibrillated cellulose in the form of a dry powder, the equipment called Spray Dryer was used. The characterization of CNF powder was performed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. The techniques of X-ray diffraction, medium infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis were also performed. Compared to the literature, the results show that the drying process of nanofibrillated cellulose changed its morphology when compared to a CNF still in its liquid state, but the CNF powder is very similar in its morphology compared to other works with CNF Dry Spray Dryer. In the X-ray diffraction analysis, characteristic cellulose peaks were observed, but the crystallinity index was relatively low compared to the literature, possibly due to the concentration at which CNF was prepared. Near infrared spectroscopy analysis showed the characteristic peaks of cellulose. Regarding the thermal analysis, it is found that the CNF has high stability, in accordance with the literature. These new features may be interesting for different industrial uses, such as thermoplastic production.