Insights into structure and properties of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) prepared by screw extrusion and deep eutectic solvent permeation

To achieve the balance on economy and ecology, it is indispensable to explore the greener and more inexpensive method for the production of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). Herein, a deep eutectic solvent (DES) system based on choline chloride (ChCl) and ethylene glycol (EG) was employed as the swollen solvent, combining with screw extrusion and permeant, to fabricate unmodified CNFs with high yield and thermal stability. The proposed method in this work was simple, convenient, and industrially viable. The hydrous DESs were applied in the process of CNFs preparation and dispersion to reduce the cost and viscosity of DES. To reveal the principle of CNFs preparation, the impact of sulfuric acid and water content of DES system on the chemical, physical, morphological, thermal, and dispersive properties of CNFs was systematically studied. Properties of the dispersed solvents were characterized by solvatochromic parameters and viscosity parameters to evaluate the potential influence on the preparation and dispersion of CNFs. In general, this work would play valuable guidance in realizing the preparation and dispersion of CNFs via a versatile DES solvent system, thus endowing cellulose materials high-value utilization.

Automated summary

The study explores a greener and more inexpensive method for the production of CNFs using a DES system with ChCl and EG, resulting in high yield and thermal stability. The impact of sulfuric acid and water content of DES system on the properties of CNFs is systematically studied, and the influence of dispersed solvents on the preparation and dispersion of CNFs is evaluated using solvatochromic and viscosity parameters.