Water‐assisted melt processing of cellulose biocomposites with poly(ε‐caprolactone) or poly(ethylene‐acrylic acid) for the production of carton screw caps. Issue 6 (4th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Venkatesh, Abhijit; Forsgren, Lilian; Avella, Angelica; Banke, Karl; Wahlberg, Jan; Vilaseca, Fabiola; Lo Re, Giada; Boldizar, Antal
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied polymer science. Volume 139:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-09-04
• Subjects: cellulose and other wood products -- composites -- mechanical properties -- manufacturing -- thermoplastics; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/app.51615
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8995

Abstract

Abstract: Composites in 25 kg batches were compounded of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and thermomechanical pulp (TMP) and shaped into caps at industrial facilities on a pilot‐plant scale. Some of the material was also injection molded into plaques to compare the effect of laboratory‐scale and pilot‐scale compounding of poly(ethylene‐co‐acrylic acid) (EAA7) and poly(caprolactone) composites reinforced with 10 wt% CNC and TMP. The materials compounded under laboratory‐scale conditions showed a different morphology, improved mechanical properties, and a higher viscosity, than the materials compounded on a pilot‐scale. In some cases, the rheological properties of the melts indicated the presence of a relatively strong percolating cellulosic network, and the interphase region between the cellulose and the matrix appears to be important for the mechanical performance of the composites. After the compounding on a pilot scale, both the length and width of the pulp fibers was reduced. The TMP provided better reinforcement than the CNC possibly due to the higher aspect ratio. Abstract : A successful pilot‐scale study on the feasibility of using a combination of water‐assisted and traditional melt‐processing methods to manufacture cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) reinforced beverage caps is highlighted. The study shows the difference between laboratory and industrial scale processed samples of similar type and composition. Furthermore, the better reinforcing capability of reference pulp fibers when compared to CNC is highlighted.