Interfacial Stabilization of Fiber-Laden Foams with Carboxymethylated Lignin toward Strong Nonwoven Networks

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b06418
• Publication Date: 2016-07-11T23:05:39Z
• Authors: Shuai Li; Wenchao Xiang; Marjo Järvinen; Timo Lappalainen; Kristian Salminen; Orlando J. Rojas
• Keywords: foamability; carboxymethylated lignin; SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy; lignin-based foam; 02 engineering and technology; foam; ta216; 0210 nano-technology; ta215; SDS; 01 natural sciences; nonwoven; 0104 chemical sciences

Wet foams were produced via agitation and compressed air bubbling of aqueous solutions carboxymethylated lignin (CML). Bubble size distribution assessed in situ optical microscopy. Foamability, bubble collapse rate, foam stability (half-life time) analyzed as a function CML concentration, temperature, pH, content. Dynamic changes the liquid monitored by light transmission backscattering. Cellulosic fibers different aspect ratios (long pine short birch fibers) suspended under (0.6% phase) with an (bubble) content high 75% volume. Remarkably, half-life time fiber-laden was 10-fold higher than that corresponding fiber-free foam. Such lignin-based demonstrated, after dewatering, precursor for synthesis nonwoven, layered structures. The resulting fiber networks (paper), obtained here first foams, characterized pore distribution, retention, morphology, physical–mechanical properties (network formation quality, density, permeability, surface roughness, tensile internal bond strengths). results compared against structures from stabilized anionic surfactant (SDS) well those foam-free, water-based web-laying. to SDS, foam-formed materials displayed better bonding strengths. Overall, CML-based found be suitable carriers cellulosic have opened possibility integrating fully biobased systems foam-forming. This is emerging option increase effective solids system without compromising quality formed nonwoven while achieving reductions water energy consumption.