DEVELOPING NANOCELLULOSE-BASED BIOFILMS FROM KRAFT AND NaBH4 - MODIFIED KRAFT PULP

In this study, both kraft pulp and NaBH4-modified kraft pulp produced from the red gum tree (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) were used to generate nanofibrillated cellulose (CNF) and microfibrillated cellulose (CMF). These were then characterized by HPLC, FTIR, DSC and C-13-NMR. Morphological and viscoelastic properties were investigated via SEM and rheometry, respectively. The storage moduli of the biofilms produced from the CNFs were investigated by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Some minor shifts were observed in the 13C-NMR for the CMF and CNF obtained from NaBH4-modified kraft pulp. The CMF and CNF obtained from kraft pulp revealed higher thermal stability due to higher crystallinity. Higher dynamic mechanical properties were seen in the CNF film obtained from kraft pulp and the results were useful in ascertaining its potential application value.