Textile pulp or biodegradable packaging production using wood fibers and casein from milk production

Abstract

A composite material elaborated of cellulose and casein has been successfully synthesized, incorporating the principles of green chemistry, and employing new ionic liquids as solvents. Both mechanical and chemical characterizations of the films were conducted, revealing both promising areas in the different elaborate blends. The mechanical properties of the films showed varying stress levels, with a maximum stress of 24 MPa for a casein and bleached pulp blend in a 1:2 ratio and 25.7 MPa for a casein and recycled cotton blend in a 1:1 ratio. The X-ray diffraction patterns revealed increased crystallinity in films with higher cellulose content and better mechanical properties. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated an increase in hydrogen bonding presented between the hydroxyl groups of cellulose and the carboxylate groups of casein, confirming the successful synthesis of the composites. The films also demonstrated UV shielding capacity and biodegradability since the first weeks of the biodegradation test. The contact angle measurements exhibited hydrophobic properties and satisfactory mechanical performance. The potential uses of this polymer are also explored, considering packaging materials, UV shielding materials, and textile applications similar to those of lyocell and suggesting further research in the area of biomedical applications. To this effect, this work provides a composite that can be further developed for textile, packaging, tissue engineering, and UV absorption materials.