Alkyl ketene dimer modification of thermomechanical pulp promotes processability with polypropylene
Journal article, 2024

Alkyl ketene dimers (AKDs) are known to efficiently react with cellulose with a dual polarity in their structure: a polar component and a nonpolar component. AKD of three different carbon chain lengths, 4, 10, and 16 carbons have been synthesized, and thermomechanical pulp (TMP) fibers were modified by them. The modification of TMP fibers with AKD resulted in an increased water contact angle, showing the presence of the AKDs on the TMP fibers and a new carbonyl peak in the IR spectra, suggesting modification of the TMP fibers with AKD groups. Calculating the Hansen solubility parameters of AKD and AKD conjugated to TMP in polypropylene (PP) indicates improved compatibility, especially of longer chain AKD and TMP AKD. The rheological studies of the composites showed that the AKD with the longest carbon chain decreases the melt viscosity of the PP-TMP-AKD composite, which combined with the shape and the color of the extruded composite filaments indicates improved flow properties and reduced stress build up during processing. The research findings demonstrate the ability of AKD to enhance the dispersibility and compatibility of natural fibers with PP.

thermomechanical pulp

composite

extrusion

polypropylene

rheology

alkyl ketene dimer

Author

Seyedehsan Hosseini

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Roujin Ghaffari

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Anna Ström

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Anette Larsson

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Gunnar Westman

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Polymer Composites

0272-8397 (ISSN) 1548-0569 (eISSN)

Vol. 45 1 825-835

Subject Categories

Polymer Chemistry

Physical Chemistry

Paper, Pulp and Fiber Technology

Manufacturing, Surface and Joining Technology

Chemical Process Engineering

Textile, Rubber and Polymeric Materials

Materials Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Composite Science and Engineering

Driving Forces

Sustainable development

DOI

10.1002/pc.27818

More information

Latest update

3/15/2024