Conversion of paper to film by ionic liquids: manufacturing process and properties

Atsushi Tanaka, Alexey Khakalo, Lauri Hauru, Antti Korpela, Hannes Orelma*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the “chemical welding” of paper with the ionic liquid (IL) 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([EMIM]OAc) using a two-step process. First, the IL is transported into the structure of the paper as a water solution. Then, partial dissolution is achieved by activation with heat (80–95 °C), where the water evaporates and the surfaces of the fibres partially dissolve. The activated paper is washed with water to remove IL, and dried to fuse fibre surfaces into each other. The “chemically welded” paper structure has both elevated dry and wet strength. The treatment conditions can be adjusted to produce both paper-like materials and films. The most severe treatment conditions produce films that are fully transparent and their oxygen and grease barrier properties are excellent. As an all-cellulose material, the “chemically welded” paper is fully biodegradable and is a potential alternative to fossil fuel-based plastics.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)6107-6119
JournalCellulose
Volume25
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2018
MoE publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Funding

This study was carried out in the CellFi (Conversion of cellulose to plastic) project funded by Business Finland and Finnish industries companies (Metsä Fibre Ltd, Metsä Board Ltd, Stora Enso Ltd, FL Pipe Ltd, Pölkky Ltd, and Versoul Ltd).

Keywords

  • All-cellulose composite
  • Cellulose
  • Ionic liquids
  • Paper
  • Partial dissolution

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