Search

There is current interest in using agro-based biopolymers in industrial applications. Because cottonseed protein is abundantly available, it would be useful to explore its feasibility as a polymeric additive and possible substitute for petroleum-based materials. In this work, we studied cottonseed protein isolate as a paper additive and observed its effects on the paper’s dry and wet strength. The tensile strength of paper was found to vary with the amount of the protein applied. By application of an 11% protein solution to the paper, the dry and wet strength increased by 33 and 16% compared with the paper by itself, respectively. The combined use of cottonseed protein and an acid (acetic, adipic, aspartic, and citric acids) to promote adhesion resulted in even greater dry paper strength but not in greater wet paper strength. Thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopic studies suggested that the protein interacted with acid and that both components interacted with paper fibers to produce increased strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, an environmental criteria was required for every product and process. The great amount of pollution caused by the paper and cellulose industry effluents, especially those produced from nonwood fibrous materials, e.g., rice straw and bagasse. Using new technologies or redesigning products to meet new environments criteria is necessary. The production of cellulose by microorganisms is considered as one of the most beneficial sources for environment requirements. Microbial polysaccharides are valuable commodities, since they display many useful properties and can be produced in large quantities. This article reviews previous research on the biosynthesis of bacterial cellulose, structural features, properties, as well as potential applications as new industrial materials, i.e., paper industry, wastes treatment, sewage purification, food, medicine, etc. Suggestions for an economic production process for bacterial cellulose and cellulose derivatives also were reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]