CELLULOSE SHEETS MADE FROM MICRO/NANOFIBRILLATED FIBERS OF BAMBOO, JUTE AND EUCALYPTUS CELLULOSE PULPS

The aim of this study was to investigate the properties of cellulose sheets made from fibrillated micro/nanofibrils of bamboo, jute and eucalyptus. Micro/nanofibrils obtained from alkaline-treated jute had higher crystalline fraction (CF) and crystallinity index (CI). The onset degradation temperature (T-onset) was very similar for all the micro/nanofibrils (from 316 degrees C to 323 degrees C). Defibrillated cellulose nanofibrils had an average diameter in the range of 30-50 nm. Cellulose sheets made of bamboo and jute micro/nanofibrils had higher bending strength, elastic modulus and energy to break than the sheets made of eucalyptus micro/nanofibrils. Compared to the bamboo and jute samples, the eucalyptus micro/nanofibril suspension had a greater amount of fiber debris, which may have contributed to higher apparent porosity, water adsorption and water solubility of the cellulose sheets. Further development of the mechanical defibrillation process could lower the production costs of micro/nanofibrils and improve the performance of engineered cellulose-based materials.