Ce travail se situe dans un contexte de développement de matériaux barrières pour l'emballage alimentaire papier-carton utilisant des microfibrilles de cellulose (MFC), ce qui donne une dimension renouvelable, recyclable, et biodégradable. Pour cela, deux stratégies ont été étudiées : l'utilisation des MFC pour la formation d'une couche barrière laminée à l'état humide sur carton, et en tant qu'additif dans une sauce de couchage barrière base aqueuse. Il a été montré que l'utilisation des MFC pour la production de couches barrières est prometteuse dans les deux cas. La lamination de MFC sur carton a permis d'obtenir de bonnes propriétés barrières à l'oxygène et à la graisse en utilisant des MFC hautement fibrillées. L'association carton-MFC a présenté une forte adhésion après séchage, permettant d'éviter l'utilisation de colle. Dans le cas du couchage composite, en vue de diminuer la viscosité et améliorer la barrière, il a été trouvé préférable d'utiliser un faible taux de MFC dans un alcool polyvinylique (PVOH) complètement hydrolysé ayant un faible degré de polymérisation. L'ajout de MFC dans une sauce de couchage composite a montré leur capacité à améliorer la cinétique de séchage du PVOH. L’utilisation combinée de MFC et de charges lamellaires a présenté un effet de synergie sur leurs états de dispersions dans une solution de PVOH, permettant leur utilisation pour l'amélioration de la barrière à la vapeur d'eau en conditions humides, tout en évitant la formation d'agrégats qui détérioreraient la barrière à l'oxygène. Ce travail a contribué à démontrer le potentiel des MFC pour la formation de couches barrières, ouvrant la voie au développement de nouveaux matériaux d'emballages plus responsables. / This study takes place in a context of development of paper-based barrier packaging materials, using of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) that brings renewability, recyclability, and biodegradability. Two strategies have been investigated: the wet lamination of a MFC barrier layer on board, and the use of MFC as additive in a water-based barrier coating colour. The promising use of MFC for the formation of barrier layers has been demonstrated in both cases. The wet lamination of MFC on board led to good oxygen and grease barrier properties, using highly fibrillated MFC. The board-MFC complex presented a strong adhesion after drying, without requiring glue. In the case of barrier coating, in order to obtain a low viscosity suspensions leading to high barrier layers, the use of highly fibrillated MFC mixed with a fully-hydrolysed poly(vinyl alcohol (PVOH) of low degree of polymerisation has been preferred. The addition of MFC in PVOH demonstrated its potential for improving the drying behaviour of water-barrier barrier coating colours. The combined use of MFC and layered silicates evidenced a synergistic effect on their dispersion in a PVOH solution, leading to an improved water vapour barrier while avoiding the formation of aggregates that otherwise damage the oxygen barrier. The work contributed to demonstrate the potential of MFC to be used for the formation of barrier layers, paving the way for the development of more sustainable barrier packaging materials.

De nouveaux matériaux, appelés matériaux actifs, se développent actuellement par diverses processus dans plusieurs applications. L'objectif est d'apporter aux matériaux de bases (par exemple : papiers, cartons) de nouvelles fonctionnalités telles que la détection de virus, le relargage de substances actives, le contrôle de la durée de vie etc. L'élaboration de matériaux fonctionnels est un sujet de plus en plus important dans notre société et chez les industries. Les recherches restent cependant encore rares à ce propos et l'expertise des scientifiques est vivement attendue. Par ailleurs, l'intérêt des scientifiques se porte aussi de plus en plus sur l'utilisation de bio-matériaux. Parmi ces derniers, l'intérêt pour les bio nanoparticules est le plus grandissant : les chercheurs voient en effet la possibilité d'élaborer de nouvelles applications à hautes valeurs ajoutées. Cependant, aujourd'hui, l'utilisation de ces nanoparticules dans le contrôle du relargage de substances actives n'est pas encore dominante ni approfondie malgré les premiers résultats prometteurs obtenus avec les nanoparticules. En plus de leurs excellentes propriétés mécaniques et barrières, leur surface spécifique est un point clé et avantageux à considérer pour l'obtention de nouvelles fonctionnalités (introduction de substances actives). Dans le domaine des emballages, les matériaux actifs ont pour objectif de prolonger la durée de conservation des aliments en modifiant les conditions d'emballage. Trois catégories sont différenciées : les emballages absorbeurs (oxygène, humidité), les emballages antimicrobiens et les emballages barrières. Peu de recherches existent actuellement sur les deux premières catégories et d'autres commencent affichant des résultats bien prometteurs. Ainsi, l'objectif de la thèse est donc de comprendre et de développer des bio nanomatériaux fonctionnels innovants en considérant deux aspects : le développement durable et la sécurité alimentaire. Trois sujets seront abordés en détail: - Biomatériaux : fibres de cellulose, bionanoparticules, biomolécules actives - Procédés : greffage, encapsulation, couchage, extrusion, jet d'encre - Propriétés : absorbeur d'oxygène, antimicrobien, contact alimentaire Le phénomène de migration sera un point particulièrement détaillé au long de ces 3 ans ainsi que les caractérisations de propriétés importantes pour le produit final. Différentes stratégies seront ensuite testées et la meilleure solution sera optimisée afin d'arriver à une étude à grand échelle du produit obtenu. / New functional materials, called active materials, are developing with different processes and for several applications. The target is to give new functions like virus detection, active substance release, end of life control...This topic is more and more important in our society and industry. Researches are still rare and more scientific expertise is expected. Meanwhile, use of biobased materials interests more and more scientists. Among biomaterials, the use of bionanoparticles is strongly increasing and high value added applications are targeted. However, their use in release control of active substances has not yet been studied in detail in spite of promising results on barrier properties improvement. Their very high specific area could also be considered as a advantege concerning their use as active material carrier. In packaging field, active materials are materials which change condition of packed product to increase its shelf life by keeping quality and safety. Three main types of active packaging are existing : scavenger systems (02, humidity), anti-microbial systems, barrier systems. Some research studies have just been launched about the two first categories of active packaging with some promising results. The target is then to understand and develop innovative functional bionanomaterials by considering : sustainability and safety. Three topic will be studied in detail : - Biomaterials : cellulose fibers, bionanoparticules (NFC, Wh, SNP), active biomolecules - Process : grafting, encapsulation chitosane, coating, extrusion, ink jet - Properties : 02 scavenger, anti-microbial system, food contact A better understanding of migration and the end-use properties characterization will be main point of the scientific research during the project. Different strategies will be tested and optimisation of best solution will follow by finishing with an up-scaling study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to contribute with new knowledge about nanocellulose-based insulation products. It is an innovation that could potentially be applied as a building insulation material and possibly compete with today’s insulation materials. At this time, there is limited knowledge about nanocellulose-based insulation in the construction industry and with this study the interest should increase for nanocellulose-based insulation which may drive the research further in the field. The objective of the study is to demonstrate with focus on the environmental impact, constructional properties and economics whether nanocellulose-based insulation materials have the ability to compete with traditional insulation materials. Method: Literature studies, interviews, document analysis and calculations have been the implemented research methods in order to achieve the objective of the study. Literature studies has been carried out on previous research within the subject which constituted the scientific basis for the work under the theoretical framework. Interviews with experts in the subject provides experience within different perspectives studied in this report. Document analysis has given the study reality linked information regarding the constructional properties of nanocellulose insulation. Theoretical U-value calculations have been performed on walls with mineral wool, nanocellulose aerogel and nanocellulose foam. Findings: The study differentiates nanocellulose-based insulation into two categories; foam and aerogels. Nanocellulose foam could compete with the traditional insulation materials with regard to constructional properties and environmental perspectives, but not the economical since the cost of nanocellulose is too high. The price for nanocellulose foam could decrease to similar price levels as current materials when nanocellulose as a material begins to be applied in a greater extent. Both nanocellulose aerogel and nanocellulose foam are extracted from completely renewable sources, but in addition to that attribute, the insulation types are different in character. The study also shows that nanocellulose aerogel cannot compete with traditional insulation due to its high production cost. Implications: The study’s conclusion is that there is an existing technique with the potential to develop a nanocellulose-based foam material that have the potential to compete with the traditional insulation materials used today. In order for a nanocellulose-based aerogel to be competetive the development of cost-effective production techniques is required and the study shows that this type cannot compete with traditional insulation materials today. Limitations: The work was limited to deal with the three different perspectives; constructional properties, environment and economy when studying nanocellulose insulation. The constructional properties have been given greater importance, because it is the properties that determines if the material can be applied as an insulation or not.

Dentre os materiais de fontes naturais e renováveis, a celulose se destaca pela sua abundância, podendo ser encontrada em diversos organismos vivos, como plantas, amebas, bactérias, fungos e alguns animais marinhos. Suas dimensões podem ser reduzidas por quebra das cadeias amorfas, com possibilidade de atingir escalas nanométricas, obtendo-se assim as chamadas nanopartículas de celulose ou nanocelulose. Devido à alta cristalinidade, a nanocelulose possui altos valores de módulo elástico, proporcionando alta capacidade de reforço em matrizes poliméricas, combinados com baixo peso, área superficial elevada e biodegradabilidade. A borracha natural é uma matéria-prima de fonte natural, sendo extraída das seringueiras na forma de látex - dispersão coloidal de partículas de borracha e substâncias não-borrachas em um meio aquoso, com aspecto leitoso. No presente trabalho foram estudados compósitos de borracha natural e nanocelulose. Inicialmente, foi realizada uma análise do látex de nacionalidade brasileira, centrifugado, contendo 60% em massa de sólidos. Os resultados de caracterização do látex centrifugado comercial, a qual consistiu na análise de concentração de sólidos totais e na medida do pH, estavam de acordo com os dados apresentados pelo fornecedor. Além disso, a análise de distribuição de tamanho de partícula indicou que o material apresenta uma população, com tamanho médio de 1,0 ?m. A borracha coagulada com ácido acético apresentou, após mastigação em cilindro aberto, viscosidade Mooney e extrato acetônico igual a, respectivamente, 52,8 e 2,57%. As nanoceluloses foram obtidas por hidrólise com ácido ortofosfórico (NC P) e sulfúrico (NC S), sendo classificadas como nanocristal de celulose (NC). NC P apresentaram comprimento médio, razão de aspecto e cristalinidade igual a, respectivamente, 270 ± 89 nm, 50 ± 24 e 78%; e as NC S apresentaram 209 ± 51 nm, 29 ± 10 e 75%.. Os compósitos de borracha natural com nanocristais de celulose apresentaram, nos ensaios de tração, aumentos nos valores de todas as propriedades analisadas, quando comparados à borracha natural pura. Ao adicionar-se 10 phr de nanocelulose preparada com ácido fosfórico na borracha natural, os valores de resistência à tração na ruptura, alongamento na ruptura e módulo a 300% aumentaram, respectivamente, em 90%, 16% e 52%. Já com a adição de 10 phr de NC S, essas propriedades aumentaram, respectivamente, em 68%, 5% e 109%. O mesmo foi observado para a dureza Shore A. Com a adição de 10 phr de nanocelulose obtida por ácido fosfórico à composição da borracha natural, a dureza Shore A aumentou em cerca de 22%; já com a adição de 10 phr de NCs S, a dureza da borracha natural aumentou em 36%. / Among the natural and renewable sources\' materials, cellulose stands out for its abundance, it can be found in many living organisms, such as plants, amoebas, bacteria, fungi and some marine animals. Its dimensions can be reduced by breaking the amorphous chains, with the possibility of reaching nanometric scales, obtaining the nanocellulose or cellulose nanoparticles. Due to the high crystallinity, the nanocellulose has high elastic modulus value, providing high reinforcement capacity combined with low weight, high surface area and biodegradability. Natural rubber is a raw material from a natural source, extracted from the latex - colloidal dispersion of rubber particles and non-rubbers in a milkylooking aqueous solution. At this work, composites of natural rubber and nanocellulose were studied. Initially, a Brazilian centrifuged latex with 60% of its weight in solids was characterized, by analyzing if the total solids concentration and the pH measurement is in agreement with the data presented by the supplier. In addition, particle size distribution analysis demonstrated that the material had an average size of 1.0 ?m. Then, the mastication in the open cylinder and the Mooney viscosity and acetone extract was measured and them were equal to, respectively, 52.8 and 2.57%. The nanocelluloses obtained by hydrolysis with phosphoric and sulfuric acids are classified as cellulose nanocrystal. NC P present average length, aspect ratio and crystallinity equal to 270 ± 89 nm, 50 ± 24 and 78%; and the NC S had 209 ± 51 nm, 29 ± 10 and 75%. In the tensile test, it was observed that there was an increase in all the mechanical properties analyzed for natural rubber when adding the nanocellulose in its composition. By adding 10 phr of prepared nanocellulose with phosphoric acid in the natural rubber the values of tensile strength at rupture, strain at rupture and modulus at 300% increased, respectively, by 90%, 16% and 52%. When added 10 phr of NC S, these properties increased, respectively, by 68%, 5% and 109%. The same was observed for Shore A hardness. When adding 10 phr of nanocellulose obtained by phosphoric acid in its composition, the Shore A hardness increased by about 22%; When adding 10 phr of NCs S, the hardness increased by 36%.

Dentre os materiais de fontes naturais e renováveis, a celulose se destaca pela sua abundância, podendo ser encontrada em diversos organismos vivos, como plantas, amebas, bactérias, fungos e alguns animais marinhos. Suas dimensões podem ser reduzidas por quebra das cadeias amorfas, com possibilidade de atingir escalas nanométricas, obtendo-se assim as chamadas nanopartículas de celulose ou nanocelulose. Devido à alta cristalinidade, a nanocelulose possui altos valores de módulo elástico, proporcionando alta capacidade de reforço em matrizes poliméricas, combinados com baixo peso, área superficial elevada e biodegradabilidade. A borracha natural é uma matéria-prima de fonte natural, sendo extraída das seringueiras na forma de látex - dispersão coloidal de partículas de borracha e substâncias não-borrachas em um meio aquoso, com aspecto leitoso. No presente trabalho foram estudados compósitos de borracha natural e nanocelulose. Inicialmente, foi realizada uma análise do látex de nacionalidade brasileira, centrifugado, contendo 60% em massa de sólidos. Os resultados de caracterização do látex centrifugado comercial, a qual consistiu na análise de concentração de sólidos totais e na medida do pH, estavam de acordo com os dados apresentados pelo fornecedor. Além disso, a análise de distribuição de tamanho de partícula indicou que o material apresenta uma população, com tamanho médio de 1,0 ?m. A borracha coagulada com ácido acético apresentou, após mastigação em cilindro aberto, viscosidade Mooney e extrato acetônico igual a, respectivamente, 52,8 e 2,57%. As nanoceluloses foram obtidas por hidrólise com ácido ortofosfórico (NC P) e sulfúrico (NC S), sendo classificadas como nanocristal de celulose (NC). NC P apresentaram comprimento médio, razão de aspecto e cristalinidade igual a, respectivamente, 270 ± 89 nm, 50 ± 24 e 78%; e as NC S apresentaram 209 ± 51 nm, 29 ± 10 e 75%.. Os compósitos de borracha natural com nanocristais de celulose apresentaram, nos ensaios de tração, aumentos nos valores de todas as propriedades analisadas, quando comparados à borracha natural pura. Ao adicionar-se 10 phr de nanocelulose preparada com ácido fosfórico na borracha natural, os valores de resistência à tração na ruptura, alongamento na ruptura e módulo a 300% aumentaram, respectivamente, em 90%, 16% e 52%. Já com a adição de 10 phr de NC S, essas propriedades aumentaram, respectivamente, em 68%, 5% e 109%. O mesmo foi observado para a dureza Shore A. Com a adição de 10 phr de nanocelulose obtida por ácido fosfórico à composição da borracha natural, a dureza Shore A aumentou em cerca de 22%; já com a adição de 10 phr de NCs S, a dureza da borracha natural aumentou em 36%. / Among the natural and renewable sources\' materials, cellulose stands out for its abundance, it can be found in many living organisms, such as plants, amoebas, bacteria, fungi and some marine animals. Its dimensions can be reduced by breaking the amorphous chains, with the possibility of reaching nanometric scales, obtaining the nanocellulose or cellulose nanoparticles. Due to the high crystallinity, the nanocellulose has high elastic modulus value, providing high reinforcement capacity combined with low weight, high surface area and biodegradability. Natural rubber is a raw material from a natural source, extracted from the latex - colloidal dispersion of rubber particles and non-rubbers in a milkylooking aqueous solution. At this work, composites of natural rubber and nanocellulose were studied. Initially, a Brazilian centrifuged latex with 60% of its weight in solids was characterized, by analyzing if the total solids concentration and the pH measurement is in agreement with the data presented by the supplier. In addition, particle size distribution analysis demonstrated that the material had an average size of 1.0 ?m. Then, the mastication in the open cylinder and the Mooney viscosity and acetone extract was measured and them were equal to, respectively, 52.8 and 2.57%. The nanocelluloses obtained by hydrolysis with phosphoric and sulfuric acids are classified as cellulose nanocrystal. NC P present average length, aspect ratio and crystallinity equal to 270 ± 89 nm, 50 ± 24 and 78%; and the NC S had 209 ± 51 nm, 29 ± 10 and 75%. In the tensile test, it was observed that there was an increase in all the mechanical properties analyzed for natural rubber when adding the nanocellulose in its composition. By adding 10 phr of prepared nanocellulose with phosphoric acid in the natural rubber the values of tensile strength at rupture, strain at rupture and modulus at 300% increased, respectively, by 90%, 16% and 52%. When added 10 phr of NC S, these properties increased, respectively, by 68%, 5% and 109%. The same was observed for Shore A hardness. When adding 10 phr of nanocellulose obtained by phosphoric acid in its composition, the Shore A hardness increased by about 22%; When adding 10 phr of NCs S, the hardness increased by 36%.

An impinger-based sampling method was designed and evaluated for the collection of airborne cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). Plastic impingers were purchased and a custom nozzle was designed and 3D printed. Collection efficiency by particle size was compared to commercially available impingers. Collection efficiency (CE) was then adjusted theoretically for an impactor that would be used in a field setting to remove particles larger than 300 nm. Adjusted CE was compared to the nanoparticulate matter (NPM) criterion model, which mimics nanoparticle deposition in the human respiratory system. The impinger method was then used to collect rhodamine-tagged CNC to determine if it could collect a concentration of CNC that agreed with the known aerosolized concentration when analyzed with spectroscopy/spectrophotometry. The plastic impinger method had a greater collection efficiency for relevant particle sizes than the commercially available impingers tested. After adjusting for the impactor, the impinger method agreed with the NPM curve for particles ranging from 45-600 nm (R2=0.94). Concentrations of rhodamine-tagged CNC collected with the impinger method did not agree with the concentrations measured by the reference instrument, however this was likely due to issues with the batch of CNC used. The impinger method can be used to collect other nanoparticles, but analysis methods that do not rely on using tagged CNC must be developed to mate the preferred analysis method with sampling.

The search for cellulosic based products as a viable alternative for petroleum-based products was the impetus for covalently crosslinking lignocellulosic fibers and nanocellulose whiskers with poly(methyl vinyl ether) co maleic acid (PMVEMA) - polyethylene glycol (PEG). The lignocellulosics used were ECF bleached softwood (pine) and ECF bleached birch kraft pulp. This thesis also tests the hypothesis that water absorption and retention can be improved by grafting PMVEMA-PEG to the surface of ECF bleached kraft pulp hardwood and softwood fibers via microwave initiated crosslinking. The crosslinking of the PMVEMA to hardwood and softwood kraft ECF bleached pulp fibers resulted in enhanced water absorbing pulp fibers where the PMVEMA is grafted onto the surface of the fibers. The crosslinking was initiated both thermally and via microwave irradiation and the water absorption and water retention was measured as the percent of grafted PMVEMA. This was the first application of microwave crosslinking of pulp fibers with the goal of creating water absorbing pulp fibers. Ultimately, the water absorption values ranged from 28.70 g water per g dry crosslinked pulp fiber (g/g) to 230.10 g/g and the water retention values ranged from 26% to 71% of the water retained that was absorbed by the crosslinked pulp fibers. The microwave initiated crosslinked fibers had comparable results to the thermally crosslinked fibers with a decreased reaction time, from 6.50 min (thermal) to 1 min 45 sec (microwave). Cellulose nanowhiskers, crystalline rods of cellulose, have been investigated due to their unique properties, such as nanoscale dimensions, low density, high surface area, mechanical strength, and surface morphology and available surface chemistry. Prior to this study, the crosslinking of cellulose whiskers with the matrix via solution casting of liquid suspensions of whiskers and matrix had not been explored. The hypothesis to be investigated was that incorporating cellulosic whiskers with the PMVEMA-PEG matrix and crosslinking the whiskers with the matrix would yield films that demonstrate unique properties when compared to prior work of crosslinking of PMVEMA-PEG to macroscopic ECF bleached kraft pulp fibers. Solution cast composites of cellulose nanowhiskers-PMVEMA-PEG were crosslinked at 135 °C for 6.5 min and analyzed for crosslinking, thermal stability, strength and mechanical properties, whisker dispersion, and water absorption and uptake rates. The whisker-composites demonstrated unique properties upon crosslinking the whiskers with PMVEMA-PEG, especially the elongation at break and tensile strength upon conditioning of the final materials at various relative humidities. In addition, the whiskers improved the thermal stability of the PMVEMA-PEG matrix. This is significant as methods of improving processing thermal stability are key to developing new materials that utilize cellulose whiskers, PMVEMA, and PEG. This thesis addresses the hypothesis that cellulose nanowhiskers that are crosslinked with a matrix can create new whisker-matrix composites that behave differently after crosslinking.

Nanoparticles are very interesting building blocks. Their large surface-to-bulk ratio gives them different properties from those of larger particles. Controlling their assembly can greatly affect macroscopic material properties. This often happens in nature, resulting in macroscopic materials with properties far better than those of similar human-made materials. However, in this fast-growing research field, we may soon compete with nature in certain areas. This thesis demonstrates that the distribution and orientation of nanocellulose particles can be controlled, which is crucial for many applications. Nanocellulose is an interesting nanoparticle, for example, because of its high strength, low thermal expansion, and high crystallinity. Nanocellulose particles are called nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) or cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). NFC is obtained from wood by mechanically shearing apart fibrils from the fiber wall and to obtain CNCs, parts of the cellulose are broken down by hydrolytic acidic reactions, most commonly, prior to homogenization. NFC particles are longer and less crystalline than are CNCs, but both are similar in width. The particles attract each other in aqueous dispersions and have a high aspect ratio and, thus, a large tendency to aggregate. The rate at which this occurs is typically reduced by charging the particles, generating an electrostatic repulsion between them. To fully utilize the many interesting properties of nanocellulose, the aggregation and orientation of the particles have to be controlled; examining this delicate task is the objective of this thesis. The limits for particle stability and aggregation are examined in papers 2–3 (as well as in this thesis) and orientation of the particles is investigated in papers 3–5. In addition, the liberation of the nanoparticles from different types of wood fibers is studied in papers 1 and 2. It was found that the liberation yield improved with increased fiber charge. In addition, the charge of the fibrils is higher than the charge of the original fibers, indicating that the fibrils were liberated from highly charged parts of the fibers and that the low-charge fraction was removed during processing. Aggregation was both theoretically predicted and experimentally studied. A theoretical model was formulated based on Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek theory, which is intended to predict the influence of salt, pH, and particle charge on the colloidal stability of the NFC. To predict the experimental trends, specific interactions between salt counterions and the particles charges had to be included in the model, which greatly increased the effect of salt on the NFC stability. Below the particle overlap concentration, instability induced by pH or salt created small sedimenting flocs, whereas above the overlap concentration the system gelled. Increasing the particle concentration further also gels the system. Orientation of nanocellulose was first achieved by shearing, salt- or acid-induced NFC gels. This oriented the fibrils and increased the gel modulus in the direction of shear. The orientation persisted after the shear strain was released and did not cause breakdown of the macroscopic gel. The orientation is probably due to rotation in the interfibril crosslinks, which is possible because the crosslinks are physical, not covalent.      Second, orientation was also induced by elongational flow. Shear and acceleration forces were combined to align fibrils in the direction of the flow. The orientation was then frozen by gelation (adding salt or reducing the pH). Drying the gel threads created filaments of aligned fibrils with a higher specific strength than that of steel.      Finally, CNC particles could be aligned on flat surfaces. The particles were first forced to align due to geometrical constraints in grooves on a nanowrinkled surface. The CNCs were then transferred to a flat surface using a contact-printing process. This created surfaces with lines of highly aligned CNCs, where the line–line spacing was controlled with nanometer precision. / <p>QC 20131114</p>

Syftet med projektet var att undersöka hur homogeniserings förhållanden (tryck antal passager och därmed energiinsatsen) vid framställning av MFC (mikrofibrillär cellulosa), från enzymatiskt förbehandlade pappersmassafibrer påverkar hållfastheten av papper förstärkt med MFC. Arbetsgivaren för projektet var Innventia och det laborativa arbetet har utförts i deras lokaler. Fördelen med att använda MFC som tillsats i papper är att arket blir starkare [1]. Detta medför att en mindre mängd material kan användas till ett material med liknande styrkeegenskaper. Vid Innventia används för närvarande en homogenisator för att delaminera (sönderdela) cellulosafibrer till fibriller och fibrillaggregat och därmed producera MFC. Homogenisatorn kan köras vid olika tryck, samt att cellulosafibrerna/MFC kan låtas passera genom homogenisatorn en eller flera gånger. Beroende på tillvägagångssättet varierar produktionsenergin mycket och egenskaperna på den producerade MFC varierar. För att få en så energieffektiv metod som möjligt är det av stor vikt att finna vilken metod som genererar en MFC lämpad för styrkegivning i pappersark. Beroende på hur mycket MFC som tillsätts till arket kan arkets egenskaper variera. Därför är även detta en mycket viktig aspekt att ta hänsyn till då dubbla mängden tillsatt MFC direkt motsvarar dubbla mängden tillförd energi. För att få en jämn dispergering av massafibrer och inbunden MFC utfördes retentionsförsök för att bestämma vilken koncentration C-PAM 1510 som ansågs lämplig att använda vid arkningen för samtliga MFC prover. C-PAM 1510 är en positiv laddad polymer som binder in MFC till massafibrerna [2]. Maskinen som användes för retentionsförsöken är BDDJ (Britt Dynamic Drainage Jar) och syftar till att se hur mycket MFC som retenderar med massafibrerna. Arkningen utfördes enligt ISO 5269-1 med riktvärde att producera ark om 80g/m2 för vidare fysikaliska tester, bland annat dragprovning, densitet och reell ytvikt. Halten C-PAM 1510 som användes under arkningsförsöken bestämdes till 0,15 %. Det fanns ingen säkerställd skillnad i arkstyrka för de olika MFC proverna som testades, förutom prov ett. Prov ett gav en betydande högre mätvärdesvariation vid dragprovningen (figur 8) jämfört med de övriga proverna och får ses extremt påverkad av något. Detta var inte heller ett prov som påverkade slutsatsen. Därav har prov ett utelämnats i diagram. Prov nummer 5 ansågs bäst lämpad som styrkeadditiv i papper. Resultaten kan dock ha påverkats av föroreningar i kranvattnet. Järnjoner och partiklar i varierande koncentrationer hade en påverkan av dispergeringen av fibrer i pappersark. / The goal with the project was to investigate how homogenization conditions (pressure, number of passes and thereby energy consumption) at production of MFC (microfibrillated cellulose), from enzymatic pretreated paper mass fibers affects the strength of paper enhanced with MFC. The employer of the project is Innventia and the laboratory work was conducted in their facilities. The advantage of using MFC as an enhancer in paper is that the paper becomes stronger and more durable [1]. This leads to a decreasing use of material for a paper with similar strength properties as ordinary paper. At Innventia they presently use a homogenisator to delaminate (break apart) cellulose fibers to fibrils and fibril aggregates and thereby produce MFC. The homogenisator can be operated at different pressures and also the cellulose fibers/MFC can pass through one or several times. Depending on the method the energy consumption will greatly vary and so will also the properties of the produced MFC. To make the process as energy efficient as possible it is of most importance to find the best method of production for a MFC suitable as an enhancer in paper. Depending on how much MFC is added to the paper, the papers properties will vary. Therefore this aspect is also important to consider, because if the added MFC doubles, the energy does too. To make an even dispersion of the pulp fibers and adsorbed MFC, retention experiments were conducted to determine which concentration of C-PAM 1510 was most suitable to use during the sheet forming for every MFC sample. C-PAM 1510 is a positively charge polymer that can bind MFC to cellulose fibers [2]. The machine used for the retention experiments was BDDJ (Britt Dynamic Drainage Jar) aiming to determine how much MFC retain in the paper mass. The sheet forming was conducted accordingly to ISO 5269-1 and 80g/m2 sheets where produced for further physical testing, among other things, tensile test, density and basis weight. The C-PAM 1510 concentration used during the sheeting was determined to 0,15 %. There was no big difference for tensile strength compared to the different MFC samples, except sample one. Sample one had significant higher coefficient of variation compared to the other samples (figure 8) during tensile strength test, probably due to a high influence of some interference. The exclusion of sample one did not affect the overall result. Therefore sample one was excluded from diagrams. Sample number 5 was considered to be the best strength enhancing additive for paper. The results may have been influenced by impurities in the tap water and should be considered. Iron ions and particles in various concentrations did have an effect of the dispersion of fibers in paper.

Background matching, a form of camouflage, involves species developing patterns and coloration that closely resemble their environment. Humans have utilized camouflage and background matching, particularly in military applications, to reduce detectable characteristics, known as signatures. Recent advancements in sensor systems necessitate the development of effective camouflage in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) range (0.9 – 2.5 µm). However, absorption of SWIR radiation is heavily influenced by water, and dry textile materials may be easily detectable against a forest background due to their low water content. To address this challenge, this master's thesis explores the integration of hydration onto a textile fabric to reduce the signature in SWIR. Various fabric types were included in this study. The optical properties of these textiles, both when wet and dry, were evaluated using SWIR imaging and UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy, and compared to foliage. Surface modifications were employed to introduce hydrophobic properties to the fabric, such as the application of water-repelling agents (Nikwax and OrganoTex) or functionalized silica nanoparticles. The water evaporation rates of untreated and surface-treated fabrics were assessed. However, the hydrophobic surface did not significantly reduce water evaporation from the fabrics. Similarly, the addition of a nanocellulose-based hydrogel on the fabric surface did not result in a significant change in evaporation. Combining the hydrogel with water-repelling solutions in a multilayer configuration indicated prolonged evaporation, but further tests are required to validate this finding. This master's thesis demonstrates that introducing water into a dry textile fabric alters its spectral properties, making it more similar to foliage. However, the primary challenge lies in retaining water within the material for improved camouflage in SWIR wavelengths.