Preparation and evaluation of flame-retarded nano cellulose aerogel with sodium bicarbonate

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 Doctoral student of wood composite products, Department of Wood Technology and Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

2 Assistant Prof., Dept. of Wood Technology and Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Wood Technology and Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

4 Assistant Professor, Department of Paper Science and Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Nanocellulosic aerogels are solid, porous materials with nanometeric pore size, which are formed by replacing liquid (hydrogel) with gas. The preparation of nanocellulosic aerogels consists of two main steps: preparation of hydrogel from a solution and removal of solvent through sublimation by freeze drying or supercritical method with solvent exchange. Due to desirable characteristics such as ultra-light density, porous structure, biodegradable and being environmental friendly, these materials have a wide range of applications in various industries, such as medicine, pharmaceutical, military, defense, etc. Despite the above advantages, they also have disadvantages such as flammability when exposed to heat or fire, which limits their use in many cases. Therefore, it seems necessary to modify cellulose nanofibers with flame retardants.
Materials and methods: To prepare of nanocellulose aerogels, 2% wt concentration nanocellulose gel was prepared from Nanonovin Polymer Company. In order to prepare of flame retarding nanocellulose aerogels, 20% wt of dry weight of nanocellulose gel, sodium bicarbonate was added. This suspension was placed on a magnetic stirrer at a speed of 1200 rpm for 30 minutes to form a uniform hydrogel. Then, control nanocellulose (CNF) and treated with sodium bicarbonate (CNF+SBC) hydrogels were poured into copper molds and placed in a refrigerator at 2°C for 24 hours. After that, the molds were taken out of the refrigerator and transferred directly to the liquid nitrogen bath for quick freezing. Immediately, they were placed in a freeze dryer for 48 hours, and control and treated nanocellulose aerogels with sodium bicarbonate were prepared.
Results: The results of the FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of sodium bicarbonate in flame retarded aerogels structure. Also, based on SEM and BET observations, it was found that this substance in nanocellulosic aerogel reduced the porosity and specific surface area. In the study of the thermal characteristics of aerogels, control nanocellulose aerogels had lower thermal stability than flame retarded nanocellulose aerogels, and the residue of the treated samples was about 30% more than the control nanocellulosic aerogels. The flammability test also confirmed this claim, and the presence of carbon dioxide prevented aerogel from more burning by limiting the oxygen needed during the ignition process. The crystalline structure of cellulose in nanocellulose aerogels containing sodium bicarbonate remained unchanged compared to the control, and the compression strength and modulus of the treated aerogel decreased compared to control aerogels due to decrease of polymerization degree. For this product, we can imagine applications in the construction industry or thermal insulation in the oil and gas and textile industries, as well as energy storage and production tools.
Conclusion In general, sodium bicarbonate treatment led to the production of lightweight and flame retarded nano cellulose aerogels, which are completely green and environmental friendly.

Keywords

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References

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Journal of Wood and Forest Science and Technology
Volume 31, Issue 1
April 2024
Pages 143-157

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