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Polymers
Special Issues
Cellulose and Cellulose Micro/Nanomaterials: Recent Research and Applications
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Cellulose and Cellulose Micro/Nanomaterials: Recent Research and Applications

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 April 2025 | Viewed by 8061

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mariia Stepanova

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, 199004 St. Petersburg, Russia
Interests: funtional polymers; biochemical engineering; biocompatible and biodegrdable polymers; polymer composites; macroporous materials; bone tissue engineering; drug delivery; catalysis
Dr. Evgenia Korzhikova-Vlakh

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
1. Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Bolshoy pr. 31, 199004 St. Petersburg, Russia
2. Institute of Chemistry, Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetsky pr. 26, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
Interests: bio-inspired polymers; biodegradable polymers; biopolymers; ring-opening polymerization; free radical polymerization; controlled radical polymerization; copolymers; amphiphilic copolymers; self-assembly; polymer nano-particles; macroporous polymer materials; biocomposites; polymer scaffolds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cellulose is the world's most abundant and biorenewable polysaccharide, produced today mainly from plants. Biocompatibility, biodegradability, excellent (comparable and superior to fiberglass, Kevlar, steel) mechanical properties, the possibility of obtaining it in various forms (crystals and fibers) and suitability for modification make this polymer very attractive for a wide range of applications, especially as biomedical and environmentally friendly materials. The main area of research in the present and near future is the production and purification of cellulose from different plant and microbiological sources, its modification with small molecules or functional polymers, and its application in various biomaterials and composites.

The present Special Issue serves to report and discuss the current state of knowledge and applications in terms of polymers and materials based on cellulose and its derivatives. Topics of interest include all aspects of the production, functionalization, characterization, theoretical studies and applications of cellulose and its materials, including composites. We invite you to submit review and original articles containing the latest fundamental and applied reports and scientific results in this field.

Dr. Mariia Stepanova
Dr. Evgenia Korzhikova-Vlakh
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • cellulose
  • cellulose micro- and nanocrystals
  • cellulose fibers and nanofibers
  • production
  • modification
  • physicochemical characterization
  • properties
  • applications
  • cellulose-containing composites and materials

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

34 pages, 5249 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Mechanical and Thermal Impact of Natural Fillers on Thermoplastic Polyurethane and Styrene–Butadiene Rubber Footwear Sole Materials
by Víctor M. Serrano-Martínez, Henoc Pérez-Aguilar, María Pilar Carbonell-Blasco, Cristina Llobell-Andrés, Francisca Aran-Ais, Avelina García-García and Elena Orgilés-Calpena
Polymers 2024, 16(22), 3201; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16223201 - 18 Nov 2024
Viewed by 488
Abstract
The increasing concern for sustainability in the footwear industry has spurred the exploration of eco-friendly alternatives for materials commonly used in sole manufacturing. This study examined the effect of incorporating rice straw and cellulose as fillers into soles made from either styrene–butadiene rubber [...] Read more.
The increasing concern for sustainability in the footwear industry has spurred the exploration of eco-friendly alternatives for materials commonly used in sole manufacturing. This study examined the effect of incorporating rice straw and cellulose as fillers into soles made from either styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Both fillers were used as a substitute in mass percentages ranging from 5 to 20% in the original SBR and TPU formulas, and their impact on mechanical properties such as abrasion and tear resistance, as well as thermal properties, was thoroughly evaluated. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of fillers affects the overall performance of the soles, with the optimal balance of mechanical and thermal properties observed at a 10% filler content. At this level, improvements in durability were achieved without significantly compromising flexibility or abrasion resistance. Thermal analysis revealed increased thermal stability at moderate filler contents. This research not only offers a sustainable alternative to traditional materials but also enhances sole performance by improving the composition. Furthermore, this study paves the way for future research on the feasibility of incorporating eco-friendly materials into other consumer product applications, highlighting a commitment to innovation and sustainability in product design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose and Cellulose Micro/Nanomaterials: Recent Research and Applications)
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13 pages, 12355 KiB  
Article
A Highly CO2-Sensitive Wood-Based Smart Tag for Strawberry Freshness Monitoring
by Jin Xu, Yuping Ning, Yalu Yun, Xiling Cheng, Jian Li and Lijuan Wang
Polymers 2024, 16(20), 2900; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16202900 - 15 Oct 2024
Viewed by 565
Abstract
Smart tags are used for monitoring the freshness of foods. However, they often lack significant color changes, and their accuracy needs to be improved. In this study, a poplar veneer with a natural pore structure was selected as a matrix to prepare a [...] Read more.
Smart tags are used for monitoring the freshness of foods. However, they often lack significant color changes, and their accuracy needs to be improved. In this study, a poplar veneer with a natural pore structure was selected as a matrix to prepare a smart tag with high pH sensitivity for tracking the freshness of strawberries. The delignified veneer was modified using 2,3-epoxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride (EPTAC) to be given positive charges to adsorb bromothymol blue (BTB) through electrostatic interactions. The adsorption capacity of the veneer reached 7.0 mg/g at 50 °C for 4 h, and the veneer showed an obvious blue color. The smart tags exhibited distinct color changes at different pHs and showed quick color changes in response to acetic acid. As the freshness of strawberries decreased, the color of the smart tags changed from blue to yellow-green, which indicated that the accuracy was high. In this study, an effective method was fabricated to prepare a highly sensitive tag, promoting popular application to ensure food quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose and Cellulose Micro/Nanomaterials: Recent Research and Applications)
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15 pages, 4185 KiB  
Article
Exploiting the Properties of Non-Wood Feedstocks to Produce Tailorable Lignin-Containing Cellulose Nanofibers
by Meghan E. Lamm, Donna A. Johnson, Katie Copenhaver, Samarthya Bhagia, Amber M. Hubbard, Colleen C. Walker, Kevin Doyle and Soydan Ozcan
Polymers 2024, 16(18), 2598; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16182598 - 14 Sep 2024
Viewed by 737
Abstract
Lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs) are mainly produced commercially from treated wood pulp, which can decrease some of the carbon-negative benefits of utilizing biomass feedstock. In this work, LCNFs are prepared from non-wood feedstocks, including agricultural residues such as hemp, wheat straw, and flax. [...] Read more.
Lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs) are mainly produced commercially from treated wood pulp, which can decrease some of the carbon-negative benefits of utilizing biomass feedstock. In this work, LCNFs are prepared from non-wood feedstocks, including agricultural residues such as hemp, wheat straw, and flax. These feedstocks allowed for the preparation of LCNFs with a variety of properties, including tailored hydrophobicity. The feedstocks and their subsequent LCNFs are extensively characterized to determine the roles that feedstocks play on the morphology and properties of their resultant LCNFs. The LCNFs were then incorporated into paper handsheets to study their usefulness in papermaking applications, which indicated good potential for the use of wheat straw LCNFs as a surface additive to improve the oil resistance coating. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose and Cellulose Micro/Nanomaterials: Recent Research and Applications)
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23 pages, 8810 KiB  
Article
The Development of a Bacterial Nanocellulose/Cationic Starch Hydrogel for the Production of Sustainable 3D-Printed Packaging Foils
by Špela Dermol, Bojan Borin, Diana Gregor-Svetec, Lidija Slemenik Perše and Gregor Lavrič
Polymers 2024, 16(11), 1527; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16111527 - 29 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1136
Abstract
Polymers have become an important part of everyday life, but most of the polymers currently used are petroleum-based. This poses an environmental problem, especially with respect to products that are quickly discarded. For this reason, current packaging development focuses on sustainable materials as [...] Read more.
Polymers have become an important part of everyday life, but most of the polymers currently used are petroleum-based. This poses an environmental problem, especially with respect to products that are quickly discarded. For this reason, current packaging development focuses on sustainable materials as an alternative to synthetic ones. Nanocellulose, a relatively new material derived from cellulose, has unique properties such as high strength, low density, high surface area, and good barrier properties, making it popular in various applications. Additionally, 3D printing technologies have become an important part of industrial and commercial processes, enabling the realization of innovative ideas and functionalities. The main aim of this research was to develop a hydrogel of bacterial nanocellulose with suitable rheological properties for the 3D printing of polymer foils. Three variations of bacterial nanocellulose hydrogel differing in ratios of bacterial nanocellulose to cationic starch were produced. The rheological studies confirmed the suitability of the hydrogels for 3D printing. Foils were successfully 3D-printed using a modified 3D printer. The physical-mechanical, surface, and optical properties of the foils were determined. All foils were homogeneous with adequate mechanical properties. The 3D-printed foils with the highest amount of cationic starch were the most homogeneous and transparent and, despite their rigidity, very strong. All foils were semi-transparent, had a non-glossy surface, and retained poor water wettability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose and Cellulose Micro/Nanomaterials: Recent Research and Applications)
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11 pages, 2399 KiB  
Article
Fibrillar Hydrogel Based on Cellulose Nanocrystals Crosslinked via Diels–Alder Reaction: Preparation and pH-Sensitive Release of Benzocaine
by Sofia M. Morozova and Evgenia G. Korzhikova-Vlakh
Polymers 2023, 15(24), 4689; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15244689 - 13 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1385
Abstract
A fibrillar hydrogel was obtained by covalent crosslinking via Diels–Alder reaction of two types of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with furan and maleimide groups. Gelation has been studied at various ratios of components and temperatures in the range from 20 to 60 °C. It [...] Read more.
A fibrillar hydrogel was obtained by covalent crosslinking via Diels–Alder reaction of two types of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with furan and maleimide groups. Gelation has been studied at various ratios of components and temperatures in the range from 20 to 60 °C. It was shown that the rheological properties of the hydrogel can be optimized by varying the concentration and ratio of components. Due to the rigid structure of the CNCs, the hydrogel could be formed at a concentration of at least 5 wt%; however, it almost does not swell either in water with pH 5 or 7 or in the HBSS buffer. The introduction of aldehyde groups into the CNCs allows for the conjugation of physiologically active molecules containing primary amino groups due to the formation of imine bonds. Here, we used benzocaine as a model drug for conjugation with CNC hydrogel. The resulting drug-conjugated hydrogel demonstrated the stability of formulation at pH 7 and a pH-sensitive release of benzocaine due to the accelerated hydrolytic cleavage of the imine bond at pH < 7. The developed drug-conjugated hydrogel is promising as wound dressings for local anesthesia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose and Cellulose Micro/Nanomaterials: Recent Research and Applications)
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18 pages, 5400 KiB  
Article
Effect of Chemical and Steam Explosion Pulping on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Sugarcane Straw Pulp Trays
by Kittaporn Ngiwngam, Sinchai Chinvorarat, Pornchai Rachtanapun, Rafael Auras, Thawien Wittaya and Wirongrong Tongdeesoontorn
Polymers 2023, 15(14), 3132; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15143132 - 23 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2176
Abstract
Sugarcane straw fiber (SSF) samples were prepared by chemical pulping (CP) and steam explosion (STE). CP (5, 10, 15% NaOH + 0.2% w/w anthraquinone at 121 °C for 1 h) and STE pressure (1.77, 1.96, and 2.16 MPa at 220 °C [...] Read more.
Sugarcane straw fiber (SSF) samples were prepared by chemical pulping (CP) and steam explosion (STE). CP (5, 10, 15% NaOH + 0.2% w/w anthraquinone at 121 °C for 1 h) and STE pressure (1.77, 1.96, and 2.16 MPa at 220 °C for 4 min) SSF trays were molded with a hydraulic hot-press machine at 120 °C, 7 min, and 1.72 MPa. The yield (%) of SSF from STE (54–60% dry basis (db.)) was higher than CP (32–48% db.). STE trays had greater tensile strength than CP. However, STE’s elongation and compression strength was lower than CP tray samples. The trays made from SSF using STE had less swelling in thickness, longer water wetting time, and a higher water contact angle than those made from CP. The micrographs displayed a smaller size of SSF obtained in STE than the CP. The appearance and area of peaks in ATR-FTIR spectra and XRD diffractograms, respectively, revealed that the STE trays had a larger residual lignin content from the lignin study and a lower crystallinity index than the CP trays. Moreover, the lightness values of the STE trays were lower than those of the CP trays due to lignin retention. The study results indicate that CP is the preferred method for producing SSF packaging material with high flexibility and fiber purity. However, when considering the specific SF of 4.28, the STE treatment showed superior physical and mechanical properties compared to CP. This suggests that STE could be an excellent alternative green pulping technique for producing durable biobased trays. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of STE as a viable option for obtaining trays with desirable characteristics, providing a sustainable and efficient approach to tray production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose and Cellulose Micro/Nanomaterials: Recent Research and Applications)
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