An environmentally friendly method for enzyme-assisted preparation of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) nanofibers

M Henriksson, G Henriksson, LA Berglund… - European polymer …, 2007 - Elsevier
European polymer journal, 2007Elsevier
Microfibrillated cellulose nanofibers (MFC) provide strong reinforcement in polymer
nanocomposites. In the present study, cellulosic wood fiber pulps are treated by
endoglucanases or acid hydrolysis in combination with mechanical shearing in order to
disintegrate MFC from the wood fiber cell wall. After successful disintegration, the MFC
nanofibers were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Enzyme-treatment was found to
facilitate disintegration, and the MFC nanofibers produced also showed higher average …
Microfibrillated cellulose nanofibers (MFC) provide strong reinforcement in polymer nanocomposites. In the present study, cellulosic wood fiber pulps are treated by endoglucanases or acid hydrolysis in combination with mechanical shearing in order to disintegrate MFC from the wood fiber cell wall. After successful disintegration, the MFC nanofibers were studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Enzyme-treatment was found to facilitate disintegration, and the MFC nanofibers produced also showed higher average molar mass and larger aspect ratio than nanofibers resulting from acidic pretreatment.
Elsevier