Citation

BibTex format

@article{Orzan:2025:10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122617,
author = {Orzan, E and Barrio, A and Biegler, V and Schaubeder, JB and Bismarck, A and Spirk, S and Nypelö, T},
doi = {10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122617},
journal = {Carbohydr Polym},
title = {Foaming and cross-linking of cellulose fibers using phytic acid.},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122617},
volume = {347},
year = {2025}
}

RIS format (EndNote, RefMan)

TY  - JOUR
AB - Bio-based compounds have become the focus in the development of next-generation materials. The polyphosphated structure and availability of phytic acid has sparked an interest to understand its properties and apply it to making fire-retardant fabrics. However, its degradative effect on natural fibers sets limitations to its potential uses. In this study, we unveiled a new dimension to explore with phytic acid: cellulose fiber foams. Phytic acid enabled synergistic foaming with carboxymethyl cellulose albeit causing issues in long-term wet foam stability. Adding cellulose fibers to this mixture and drying at 160 °C produced solid foams with increased compressive strength and stiffness; comparable to foams cross-linked with the commonly used citric acid. The reduced contact area in low-density fiber networks allowed the cross-linking between phytic acid and the fiber network to mitigate structural weakening due to fiber degradation. Imaging also revealed the formation of a film encompassing fiber bonds; attributed to the strong interaction between phytic acid and carboxymethyl cellulose. Furthermore, phytic acid imparted self-extinguishing fire-retardant properties to the cellulose fiber foams measured using thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry. This work showcases a simple new application for phytic acid without the use of catalysts or solvents. It serves to encourage further development of green practices to continuously challenge the industrial landscape.
AU - Orzan,E
AU - Barrio,A
AU - Biegler,V
AU - Schaubeder,JB
AU - Bismarck,A
AU - Spirk,S
AU - Nypelö,T
DO - 10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122617
PY - 2025///
TI - Foaming and cross-linking of cellulose fibers using phytic acid.
T2 - Carbohydr Polym
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2024.122617
UR - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39486916
VL - 347
ER -

General enquiries


 For any enquiries about the Fungal Science Network at Imperial, please contact:

fungalnetwork@imperial.ac.uk