Improved mechanical and thermal performance of bacterial cellulose paper through cationic cassava starch addition

Cationic particles are commonly used as wet-end additives in papermaking processes. This study evaluates the effects of cationic cassava starch (CCS) on the mechanical strength of paper made from bacterial cellulose (BC). Acetobacter xylinum was utilised in the production of bacterial cellulose (BC) paper, whereas 3‑chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CHPTAC) was employed in the etherification process of cassava starch to synthesize CCS. Papers containing CCS displayed a more compact surface structure compared to traditional wood-based papers, reaching a brightness level of 97.3 and improving thermal and mechanical characteristics, such as higher tensile strength and is suitable for use as a separator in battery fabrication processes. The results emphasise the possibility of using CCS as a sustainable option in paper production, offering enhanced environmental and mechanical efficiency.