Surface Modification of Cellulose Fibres

A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 May 2020) | Viewed by 43938

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Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Interests: textile chemistry; surface and bulk modification of textile substrates; multifunctionality; sol-gel technology
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We would like to invite you to submit your work to this Special Issue on "Surface Modification of Cellulose Fibres".

Biodegradability and the unique chemical and morphological properties of cellulose fibres enable them to become the most important sustainable textile material for apparel and technical applications. In addition to their important advantages, the lack of water- and oil-repellency, flame retardancy, antimicrobial activity, and UV protection limits the use of cellulose fibres for designing high-tech value-added products with special properties. To provide the required functionalities, different advanced processes of chemical and physical surface modifications have been developed and introduced in the manufacturing of high-tech cellulose fibres for improved performance, protection, and medical and health care purposes and fiber-reinforced composite materials. This Special Issue of Coatings addresses original research and critical review articles on recent advances in all aspects of surface modification of cellulose fibres.

In particular, the topics of interest of this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the creation of:

  • Biomimetic low adhesive superhydrophobicity and oleophobicity;
  • Improved thermal stability and flame retardancy;
  • Antimicrobial and photocatalytic activity;
  • Multifunctionality.

Prof. Dr. Barbara Simončič
Guest Editor

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 2006 KiB  
Article
Covalent Graft of Lipopeptides and Peptide Dendrimers to Cellulose Fibers
by Andrea Orlandin, Paolo Dolcet, Barbara Biondi, Geta Hilma, Diana Coman, Simona Oancea, Fernando Formaggio and Cristina Peggion
Coatings 2019, 9(10), 606; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings9100606 - 24 Sep 2019
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3678
Abstract
Introduction: Bacterial proliferation in health environments may lead to the development of specific pathologies, but can be highly dangerous under particular conditions, such as during chemotherapy. To limit the spread of infections, it is helpful to use gauzes and clothing containing antibacterial agents. [...] Read more.
Introduction: Bacterial proliferation in health environments may lead to the development of specific pathologies, but can be highly dangerous under particular conditions, such as during chemotherapy. To limit the spread of infections, it is helpful to use gauzes and clothing containing antibacterial agents. As cotton tissues are widespread in health care environments, in this contribution we report the preparation of cellulose fibers characterized by the covalent attachment of lipopeptides as possible antimicrobial agents. Aim: To covalently link peptides to cotton samples and characterize them. Peptides are expected to preserve the features of the fabrics even after repeated washing and use. Peptides are well tolerated by the human body and do not induce resistance in bacteria. Materials and Methods: A commercially available cotton tissue (specific weight of 150 g/m2, 30 Tex yarn fineness, fabric density of 270/230 threads/10 cm in the warp and weft) was washed with alkali and bleached and died. A piece of this tissue was accurately weighed, washed with methanol (MeOH) and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), and air-dried. Upon incubation with epibromohydrin, followed by treatment with Fmoc-NH-CH2CH2-NH2 and Fmoc removal, the peptides were synthesized by incorporating one amino acid at a time, beginning with the formation of an amide bond with the free NH2 of 1,2–diaminoethane. We also linked to the fibers a few peptide dendrimers, because the mechanism of action of these peptides often requires the formation of clusters. We prepared and characterized seven peptide-cotton samples. Results: The new peptide-cotton conjugates were characterized by means of FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). This latter technique allows for discriminating among different amino acids and thus different peptide-cotton samples. Some samples maintain a pretty good whiteness degree even after peptide functionalization. Interestingly, these samples also display encouraging activities against a Gram positive strain. Conclusions: Potentially antimicrobial lipopeptides can be covalently linked to cotton fabrics, step-by-step. It is also possible to build on the cotton Lys-based dendrimers. XPS is a useful technique to discriminate among different types of nitrogen. Two samples displaying some antibacterial potency did also preserve their whiteness index. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Modification of Cellulose Fibres)
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13 pages, 3721 KiB  
Article
Washing Durability and Photo-Stability of NanoTiO2-SiO2 Coatings Exhausted onto Cotton and Cotton/Polyester Fabrics
by Alenka Ojstršek and Darinka Fakin
Coatings 2019, 9(9), 545; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings9090545 - 25 Aug 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3096
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the durability of TiO2-SiO2 coatings applied in three concentrations onto two lightweight cellulose-based fabrics diverse in the composition against two external factors, repeated washings and prolonged intensive UV irradiation, by [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the durability of TiO2-SiO2 coatings applied in three concentrations onto two lightweight cellulose-based fabrics diverse in the composition against two external factors, repeated washings and prolonged intensive UV irradiation, by observing the changes in surface morphology, investigation of optical properties, and identification of specific molecular vibrations. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) profiles and fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectra implied equal distribution of TiO2-SiO2 nanoparticles over the surfaces of both fabrics after exhaustion procedures, regarding the concentration of colloidal paste and the type of material used, followed by a slight reduction of nanoparticles after twenty washing cycles. Moreover, the newly gained, good to very good UV protective functionality proved the suitability of the employed procedure and the sufficient durability of the selected coatings. Additionally, UV irradiation mainly caused damages to the cotton. Cotton/polyester became yellower under UV, although the application of TiO2-SiO2 protected the material against yellowness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Modification of Cellulose Fibres)
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21 pages, 8522 KiB  
Article
Antimicrobial Paper Coatings Containing Microencapsulated Cymbopogon citratus Oil
by Boštjan Šumiga, Barbara Šumiga, David Ravnjak and Bojana Boh Podgornik
Coatings 2019, 9(8), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings9080470 - 25 Jul 2019
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6494
Abstract
Essential oils are environmentally friendly candidates for antimicrobial smart packaging systems. Encapsulation is needed to reduce their volatility and achieve controlled release. Within this study, the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (citronella oil) was microencapsulated and applied in pressure-sensitive antimicrobial functional coatings on [...] Read more.
Essential oils are environmentally friendly candidates for antimicrobial smart packaging systems. Encapsulation is needed to reduce their volatility and achieve controlled release. Within this study, the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus (citronella oil) was microencapsulated and applied in pressure-sensitive antimicrobial functional coatings on papers for secondary packaging. Two microencapsulation methods were used: complex coacervation of gelatine with carboxymethylcellulose or with gum arabic, and in situ polymerization of melamine-formaldehyde prepolymers with a polyacrylic acid modifier. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of citronella oil microcapsules were determined for Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), Escherichia coli (B. subtilis), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae). Microcapsule suspensions were coated on papers for flexible packaging, 2 and 30 g/m2, and mechanically activated in the weight pulling test. A novel method on agar plates in sealed Petri dishes was developed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of released citronella vapours on E. coli and S. cerevisiae. The results showed that both microencapsulation methods were successful and resulted in a container type single-core microcapsules. In situ microcapsule suspensions had better paper coating properties and were selected for industrial settings. The antimicrobial activity of 2 g/m2 coatings was not detected; however, the antimicrobial activity of 30 g/m2 partially activated coated papers was confirmed. The product enabled a prolonged use with the gradual release of citronella oil at multiple exposures of functional papers to pressure, e.g., by a human hand during product handling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Modification of Cellulose Fibres)
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13 pages, 3787 KiB  
Article
POSS-Containing Polymethacrylates on Cellulose-Based Substrates: Immobilization and Ceramic Formation
by Christian Rüttiger, Steffen Vowinkel, Nicole Herzog, Kathrin Hofmann, Emanuel Ionescu and Markus Gallei
Coatings 2018, 8(12), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings8120446 - 6 Dec 2018
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3950
Abstract
The combination of cellulose-based materials and functional polymers is a promising approach for the preparation of porous, biotemplated ceramic materials. Within this study, cellulose substrates were functionalized with a surface-attached initiator followed by polymerization of (3‑methacryloxypropyl)heptaisobutyl-T8-silsesquioxane (MAPOSS) by means of surface-initiated atom transfer [...] Read more.
The combination of cellulose-based materials and functional polymers is a promising approach for the preparation of porous, biotemplated ceramic materials. Within this study, cellulose substrates were functionalized with a surface-attached initiator followed by polymerization of (3‑methacryloxypropyl)heptaisobutyl-T8-silsesquioxane (MAPOSS) by means of surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Successful functionalization was proven by infrared (IR) spectroscopy as well as by contact angle (CA) measurements. Thermal analysis of the polymer-modified cellulose substrates in different atmospheres (nitrogen and air) up to 600 °C led to porous carbon materials featuring the pristine fibre-like structure of the cellulose material as shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Interestingly, spherical, silicon-containing domains were present at the surface of the cellulose-templated carbon fibres after further ceramisation at 1600 °C, as investigated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Modification of Cellulose Fibres)
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17 pages, 6396 KiB  
Article
Surface Treatment of Bacterial Cellulose in Mild, Eco-Friendly Conditions
by Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Denis Mihaela Panaitescu, Ioana Chiulan, Cristian Andi Nicolae, Angela Casarica, Augusta Raluca Gabor, Roxana Trusca, Celina Maria Damian, Violeta Purcar, Elvira Alexandrescu and Paul Octavian Stanescu
Coatings 2018, 8(6), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings8060221 - 14 Jun 2018
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6883
Abstract
Bacterial cellulose (BC) with increased hydrophobicity is required for several applications including packaging. Surface functionalization of BC may provide good resistance to moisture, increased barrier properties or improved compatibility to polymer matrices. For this purpose, chemical grafting of BC in mild, eco-friendly conditions [...] Read more.
Bacterial cellulose (BC) with increased hydrophobicity is required for several applications including packaging. Surface functionalization of BC may provide good resistance to moisture, increased barrier properties or improved compatibility to polymer matrices. For this purpose, chemical grafting of BC in mild, eco-friendly conditions was carried out using different agents. BC membranes were surface functionalized with vinyl-triethoxy silane (VS) or 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APS), by acylation and acrylation. The efficiency of the surface treatments was highlighted by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, by contact angle measurements and by dynamic mechanical analysis. The morphological investigation by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed an increased compactness for surface functionalized BC, which correlated well with the different increase of the contact angle. BC treated with APS and VS showed more than a twofold increase in contact angle value. Similarly, the crystallinity degree was reduced to 69.6% and 72.9% after APS and VS treatments as compared with 84.1% for untreated BC, confirming the grafting reaction and the decrease in hydrogen bonding. All the applied treatments delayed the degradation of BC. However, the highest increase in thermal stability was observed for silanes treated membranes. Effective, eco-friendly methods for improving the surface hydrophobicity of bacterial cellulose for food packaging were proposed in this study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Modification of Cellulose Fibres)
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14 pages, 45427 KiB  
Article
Effect of Reaction Conditions on the Surface Modification of Cellulose Nanofibrils with Aminopropyl Triethoxysilane
by Eduardo Robles, Levente Csóka and Jalel Labidi
Coatings 2018, 8(4), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings8040139 - 13 Apr 2018
Cited by 57 | Viewed by 13160
Abstract
Nine different surface modifications of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (ATS) by using three different solvent systems (water, ethanol, and a mixture of both) were investigated. The effect of reaction conditions, such as silane to cellulose ratio and solvent type were evaluated [...] Read more.
Nine different surface modifications of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) with 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (ATS) by using three different solvent systems (water, ethanol, and a mixture of both) were investigated. The effect of reaction conditions, such as silane to cellulose ratio and solvent type were evaluated to determine their contribution to the extent of the silane modification. Nanofibril properties were evaluated by infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, surface free energy, thermogravimetry, 13C and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance, and electronic microscopy. The influence of the solvent in the solvolysis of the silane was reflected in the presence or absence of ethoxy groups in the silane. On the other hand, whereas the surface modification was increased directly proportionally to silane ratio on the reaction, the aggregation of nanofibrils was also increased, which can play a negative role in certain applications. The increment of silane modification also had substantial repercussions on the crystallinity of the nanofibrils by the addition of amorphous components to the crystalline unit; moreover, silane surface modifications enhanced the hydrophobic character of the nanofibrils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Modification of Cellulose Fibres)
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12 pages, 7359 KiB  
Article
Chitosan Based Regenerated Cellulose Fibers Functionalized with Plasma and Ultrasound
by Urška Vrabič Brodnjak, Adolf Jesih and Diana Gregor-Svetec
Coatings 2018, 8(4), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings8040133 - 5 Apr 2018
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5769
Abstract
The great potential of regenerated cellulose fibers, which offer excellent possibilities as a matrix for the design of bioactive materials, was the lead for our research. We focused on the surface modification of fibers to improve the sorption properties of regenerated cellulose and [...] Read more.
The great potential of regenerated cellulose fibers, which offer excellent possibilities as a matrix for the design of bioactive materials, was the lead for our research. We focused on the surface modification of fibers to improve the sorption properties of regenerated cellulose and biocomposite regenerated cellulose/chitosan fibers, which are on the market. The purpose of our investigation was also the modification of regenerated cellulose fibers with the functionalization by chitosan as a means of obtaining similar properties to biocomposite regenerated cellulose/chitosan fibers on the market. Argon gas plasma was used for fiber surface activation and chitosan adsorption. Ultrasound was also used as a treatment procedure for the surface activation of regenerated cellulose fibers and treatment with chitosan. Analyses have shown that ultrasonic energy or plasma change the accessibility of free functional groups, structure and reactivity, especially in regenerated cellulose fibers. Changes that occurred in the morphology and in the structure of fibers were also reflected in their physical and chemical properties. Consequently, moisture content, sorption properties and water retention improved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Modification of Cellulose Fibres)
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