Novel cellulose nanomaterials

Abstract

Papers, foams and gels from nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) have emerged as promising materials for various applications. In this study NFC from a Kraft Pulp used in traditional electrical insulation was produced with the aid of a high pressure homogenizer. Papers were manufactured and their mechanical properties as well as their dielectric responses in oil were measured. The disintegration results in a durable, flexible papers with high strength and density while the dielectric response correlate to that of Kraft Paper with similar density. This paper also includes a description on how inorganic nanoparticles was used to modify the properties of the fibres through a topochemical modification. In this latter technique a Layer-by-Layer technology was used where the charges of the fibres are treated with consecutive layers of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes and nanoparticles.