Surface modification of cellulose fibers: towards wood composites by biomimetics.
A biomimetic approach was taken for studying the adsorption of a model copolymer (pullulan abietate, DS 0.027), representing the lignin-carbohydrate complex, to a model surface for cellulose fibers (Langmuir-Blodgett thin films of regenerated cellulose). Adsorption results were assayed using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Rapid, spontaneous, and desorption-resistant surface modification resulted. This effort is viewed as a critical first step towards the permanent surface modification of cellulose fibers with a layer of molecules amenable to either enzymatic crosslinking for improved wood composites or thermoplastic consolidation.
Gradwell
Sheila E
SE
Department of Chemistry, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA. sgradwel@vt.edu
Renneckar
Scott
S
Esker
Alan R
AR
Heinze
Thomas
T
Gatenholm
Paul
P
Vaca-Garcia
Carlos
C
Glasser
Wolfgang
W
D032701:Biomimetics; D002482:Cellulose / Q000737:chemistry*; D008031:Lignin / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers; D013499:Surface Properties; D014934:Wood
D011108:Polymers; D002482:Cellulose; D008031:Lignin