Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibers as Reinforcement for Preparation of Bamboo Pulp Based Composite Paper.

Bamboo fibers ( BFs ), with features of renewability and biodegradability, have been widely used in paper-making products. In order to improve the mechanical properties and water absorption behaviors of the BF paper, bacterial cellulose nanofibers ( BCNFs) as environmentally friendly nano-fibrillated cellulose ( NFC) were combined with BFs. The structures and properties of the BF/ BCNF composite paper were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy, mechanical tests, pore size tests, and water absorption tests. The results indicated that the addition of BCNFs could significantly improve the water absorption capacity and mechanical properties. The water absorption ratio of the BF/ BCNF composite paper with a BCNF mass fraction of 9% comes to 443%, about 1. 33 times that of the pure BF paper. At the same BCNF content, the tensile strength of the BF/ BCNF composite paper in dry and wet states was 12. 37 MPa and 200. 9 kPa, respectively, increasing by 98. 24% and 136. 91% as compared with that of the BF paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]