Chemically Untreated Micro-Fibrillated Cellulose as a Replacement for Petrochemical Derived Plastic Films

Cellulose, the main ingredient of plant cell walls, is the most abundant natural resource on the planet. It is a renewable, non-toxic, bio-degradable material. The main objective of this experiment was to determine whether chemically untreated cellulose can be used as a replacement for petrochemical derived plastic films. Micro-Fibrillated Cellulose was produced by extensive mechanical beating of commercial bleached softwood Kraft pulp. This highly fibrillated pulp was diluted to form a cellulose and water suspension of about 0.2% consistency. The cellulose was then formed into a film by a vacuum forming method. The films were dried under varying temperature and pressure in a heat press. The resulting films were characterized for their mechanical properties, water absorbent properties, and barrier properties.