Foaming and cross-linking of cellulose fibers using phytic acid
Journal article, 2025

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.

Phosphate

Frothing

Porous network

Flame retardant

Biopolymer

Cellular solid

Author

Eliott Orzan

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Aitor Barrio

Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA)

Veronika Biegler

University of Vienna

Jana B. Schaubeder

Technische Universität Graz

A. Bismarck

University of Vienna

Stefan Spirk

Technische Universität Graz

Tiina Nypelö

Chalmers, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Applied Chemistry

Aalto University

Carbohydrate Polymers

0144-8617 (ISSN)

Vol. 347 122617

Upgrading of cellulose fibers into porous materials.Acronym: BreadCell

European Commission (EC) (EC/H2020/964430), 2021-04-01 -- 2025-03-31.

Subject Categories

Polymer Chemistry

Paper, Pulp and Fiber Technology

DOI

10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122617

More information

Latest update

9/17/2024