Application and scientific and technological development of nanocellulose in papermaking

Application and scientific and technological development of nanocellulose in papermaking

As a high-performance and sustainable nanomaterial, nanocellulose has attracted widespread attention and in-depth research in the field of papermaking due to its excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility and environmental protection characteristics. This paper systematically discusses the preparation technology, technical parameters, application cases and future development directions of nanocellulose.

1. Preparation technology of nanocellulose

The preparation technology of nanocellulose is the key to determining its performance, and currently mainly includes the following methods:

1. Mechanical dissociation method
uses high-pressure homogenizer or ultrasonic equipment to degrade plant cellulose into nano-scale fibers, and the product size is uniform, which is suitable for industrial-scale applications. References : Moon, RJ, et al. (2011). Chemical Society Reviews , 40(7), 3941-3994.

2. TEMPO oxidation method
introduces carboxyl groups on the fiber surface to improve dispersion and binding ability to the matrix, which is an important means to prepare functionalized nanocellulose. References : Saito, T., et al. (2007). Biomacromolecules , 8(8), 2485-2491.

3. Enzymatic method
uses cellulase to selectively degrade the amorphous region of cellulose, which is both environmentally friendly and can maintain the natural structure of fibers. It is a model of green preparation. References : Henriksson, M., et al. (2007). Cellulose , 14(6), 543-549.

2. Technical parameters of nanocellulose

The unique properties of nanocellulose make it perform excellently in papermaking. The following are common technical parameters and performance comparisons:

parameter	Typical values	describe
Fiber diameter	10-50 nm	Determines its high specific surface area and enhanced performance
Fiber Length	500-2000 nm	High aspect ratio is conducive to mechanical enhancement
Specific surface area	150-300 m²/g	Improve the interface between fiber and pulp
Crystallization degree	60%-90%	Provides excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability
Gas barrier properties	Oxygen transmittance < 5 cc/m²·day	Suitable for high barrier food packaging applications
Mechanical performance improvement range	Increase tensile strength by 20%-70%	It is particularly significant in high-strength paper production

3. Application of nanocellulose in the field of papermaking

3.1 Enhancement agent application

Nanocellulose significantly enhances the mechanical properties of paper through hydrogen bonding networks and is one of the most commonly used additives in papermaking.

Performance metrics	No nanocellulose added	Add nanocellulose (3%)	Increase
Tensile strength (MPa)	45	68	+51.1%
Tear strength (mN)	500	750	+50.0%

References : Syverud, K., & Stenius, P. (2009). Cellulose , 16(1), 75-85.

3.2 Retention and filter aid

By reinforcing the retention of fibers and fillers, nanocellulose optimizes the papermaking process, reduces raw material losses and improves paper uniformity.

References : Lavoine, N., et al. (2012). Carbohydrate Polymers , 90(2), 735-764.

3.3 Functional coating

Nanocellulose coating significantly improves the gas barrier properties and grease resistance of paper, and is suitable for food packaging and special functional paper.

Comparison of coating performance	Plain paper	Nanocellulose coated paper
Oxygen transmittance (cc/m²·day)	50	≤5
Water vapor transmittance (g/m²·day)	200	≤10

References : Aulin, C., et al. (2010). Cellulose , 17(3), 559-574.

3.4 Special paper development

Nanocellulose is used to produce high transparency, high optical performance specialty papers such as display protective films and smart wrapping papers.

References : Fukuzumi, H., et al. (2009). Biomacromolecules , 10(1), 162-165.

4. Technology content and future direction

1. Intelligent and green production

Use artificial intelligence to optimize the slurry mixing process to improve product consistency.

Promote closed-loop production technology to realize the green manufacturing of nanocellulose.

2. Functional development

Prepare composite materials, combine nanocellulose with graphene or carbon nanotubes, to impart conductive or intelligent responsiveness to the paper.

References : Nogi, M., et al. (2009). Advanced Materials , 21(16), 1595-1598.

3. Bionic design

Imitate the structure of natural materials such as mother of pearl and develop high-strength and multifunctional nanocellulose paper.

Conclusion

With its excellent performance, nanocellulose is pushing the papermaking industry to move from traditional processes to intelligence, greenness and multifunctionality. In the future, with the advancement of preparation technology and the expansion of application fields, nanocellulose will release greater potential in the papermaking industry and provide new solutions for high-performance paper and functional materials.