Foaming and cross-linking of cellulose fibers using phytic acid
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A1 Alkuperäisartikkeli tieteellisessä aikakauslehdessä
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Date
2025-01-01
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Language
en
Pages
8
Series
Carbohydrate Polymers, Volume 347
Abstract
Bio-based compounds have become the focus in the development of next-generation materials. The polyphosphated structure and availability of phytic acid has sparked an interest to understand its properties and apply it to making fire-retardant fabrics. However, its degradative effect on natural fibers sets limitations to its potential uses. In this study, we unveiled a new dimension to explore with phytic acid: cellulose fiber foams. Phytic acid enabled synergistic foaming with carboxymethyl cellulose albeit causing issues in long-term wet foam stability. Adding cellulose fibers to this mixture and drying at 160 °C produced solid foams with increased compressive strength and stiffness; comparable to foams cross-linked with the commonly used citric acid. The reduced contact area in low-density fiber networks allowed the cross-linking between phytic acid and the fiber network to mitigate structural weakening due to fiber degradation. Imaging also revealed the formation of a film encompassing fiber bonds; attributed to the strong interaction between phytic acid and carboxymethyl cellulose. Furthermore, phytic acid imparted self-extinguishing fire-retardant properties to the cellulose fiber foams measured using thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry. This work showcases a simple new application for phytic acid without the use of catalysts or solvents. It serves to encourage further development of green practices to continuously challenge the industrial landscape.Description
Publisher Copyright: © 2024 The Author(s)
Keywords
Biopolymer, Cellular solid, Flame retardant, Frothing, Phosphate, Porous network
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Citation
Orzan, E, Barrio, A, Biegler, V, Schaubeder, J B, Bismarck, A, Spirk, S & Nypelö, T 2025, ' Foaming and cross-linking of cellulose fibers using phytic acid ', Carbohydrate Polymers, vol. 347, 122617 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122617
