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Review
- Paper Sludge as a Prospective Feedstock for Furan Production: A Review of Sludge Characteristics and Pure-Sugar Dehydration
- Hyeonji Park, Sunkyu Park
- Paper sludge, a major industrial byproduct of pulp and papermaking processes, represents an abundant, low-cost lignocellulosic feedstock for biorefineries. However, its substantial …
- Paper sludge, a major industrial byproduct of pulp and papermaking processes, represents an abundant, low-cost lignocellulosic feedstock for biorefineries. However, its substantial inorganic ash fraction, high moisture content, and batch-to-batch compositional variability significantly hinder its direct chemical valorization. This review evaluates paper sludge as a source of glucose and xylose for subsequent conversion into furan platform chemicals, specifically 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural. As direct studies on the catalytic dehydration of paper sludge remain limited, this review integrates two complementary areas: established studies on ash removal and enzymatic hydrolysis, and the broader literature on catalytic dehydration using pure glucose and xylose as model substrates. Paper sludge characteristics and ash removal strategies are reviewed, focusing on the effects of inorganic components on enzymatic hydrolysis. Studies on catalytic dehydration are examined to establish mechanistic and process-design principles relevant to future applications of paper sludge, with emphasis on Lewis and Brønsted acid catalysts, solvent effects, side reactions, and currently debated dehydration pathways. This review links established upstream sugar recovery studies with mechanistic insights derived mainly from model sugar systems and identifies key knowledge gaps and research priorities for systematically validating paper sludge as a feedstock for future furan production in chemical biorefineries. - COLLAPSE
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Original Paper
- Optimization of Hydrogen Peroxide Bleaching for Translucent Bamboo (Gigantochloa robusta) Using Response Surface Methodology
- Niki Prastomo, Lili Melani, Cipta Hadi, Salsa Alyaa Koirunisa Suhandi, Aghitsni Tediana Aghnienenda
- Optimization of bleaching parameters is a critical step in regulating lignin content for the development of translucent bamboo materials. Accordingly, this study …
- Optimization of bleaching parameters is a critical step in regulating lignin content for the development of translucent bamboo materials. Accordingly, this study employed response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize hydrogen peroxide bleaching conditions for Mayan bamboo (Gigantochloa robusta), with lignin content as the primary response variable. The effects of bleaching temperature, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and reaction time were systematically evaluated using a quadratic RSM design. Lignin content was quantified using the Klason lignin method, and chemical and microstructural changes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that lignin removal exhibits a nonlinear dependence on the bleaching parameters, confirming the existence of an optimal bleaching window. The lowest experimentally measured lignin content was 1.50% under intermediate processing conditions. RSM optimization predicted an optimal condition of approximately 88°C, 9.85% H2O2, and 60 min, yielding a fitted lignin content of approximately 3.5% and a composite desirability of 0.806. FTIR analysis revealed attenuated lignin-associated aromatic bands alongside preserved polysaccharide functional groups, indicating selective delignification. Correspondingly, SEM observations revealed a progressive transformation from a dense, lignin-rich matrix to a porous, fibrillated cellulose network without severe fiber collapse. These findings highlight the importance of species-specific optimization and provide a quantitative and mechanistic basis for preparing bamboo substrates for the further development of translucent bio-based building materials. - COLLAPSE
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Original Paper
- Effect of Water Quality and p-DADMAC Pre-Addition on Flocculation Behavior and Dewatering Performance in a Microparticle Retention System
- Seungmin Han, Yoon-hyuck Choi, Seokhyeon Yoon, Minjae Kim, Sunu Kwon, Jiyeon Oh, Wanhee Im
- Dewatering efficiency is an important factor influencing energy consumption and production efficiency in papermaking. This study investigated the effects of water quality …
- Dewatering efficiency is an important factor influencing energy consumption and production efficiency in papermaking. This study investigated the effects of water quality and p-DADMAC pre-addition on flocculation behavior and dewatering performance in a microparticle retention system, as well as the physical properties of the resulting handsheets. Under fresh water conditions, floc size and size distribution varied with the p-DADMAC dosage. In contrast, smaller and more uniform flocs were formed under hard water conditions, presumably because the higher ionic strength restricted the extension of the loop and tail segments of C-PAM. Although these flocs delayed drainage in the wire section, they improved press dewatering by facilitating the removal of water entrapped within the flocs. Furthermore, p-DADMAC pre-addition improved sheet formation and enhanced the tensile and compression properties of the handsheets. These results demonstrate that controlling floc characteristics through p-DADMAC pre-addition can improve press dewatering and paper properties under hard water conditions. - COLLAPSE
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Original Paper
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Development of High-Loading Filler for High Bulk Paper Using Nanocellulose Prepared by Ca(OH)2 Assisted Fibrillation
Ca(OH)2 복합 해섬화에 의한 나노셀룰로오스 제조 및 이를 통한 고벌크 제지용 하이로딩 충전재 제조
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Mingyu Hwang, Changoo Kim, Seokhwan Yoon, Chaeyeon Kang, Yungbum Seo, Jungsoo Han
황민규, 김찬구, 윤석환, 강채연, 서영범, 한정수
- In the papermaking industry, simultaneously achieving high filler loading and high paper bulk remains a critical challenge for lightweight-paper production and resource …
- In the papermaking industry, simultaneously achieving high filler loading and high paper bulk remains a critical challenge for lightweight-paper production and resource conservation. However, conventional inorganic fillers typically increase sheet density, limiting bulk improvement and causing significant deterioration in mechanical strength. Herein, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) were prepared using an energy-efficient Ca(OH)2-assisted mechanical fibrillation process and directly utilized as structural scaffolds for the in situ synthesis of CaCO3–CNF composites known as flexible calcium carbonate (FCC). Ca(OH)2-assisted treatment induced alkaline swelling and structural relaxation of pulp fibers while increasing particle–fiber friction during grinding. This synergistic effect enabled the production of CNFs with an average width comparable to that obtained for untreated pulp after five grinding passes but using only a single grinding pass. At a CNF width of 60–65 nm, the sample treated with 0.5 wt% Ca(OH)2 and subjected to one grinding pass required ~24% less specific grinding energy than the untreated five-pass control. Subsequently, FCC fillers were synthesized through carbonation, obtaining unique composite aggregates wherein precipitated calcium carbonate was directly integrated into the fibril network. When applied to handsheets, the FCC fillers effectively preserved fiber-to-fiber bonding owing to their large effective particle size and high aspect ratio, considerably increasing sheet bulk while mitigating the reduction in the breaking length observed generally. Furthermore, the extensive fiber–filler–air interfaces generated by the composite aggregates substantially improved sheet brightness and opacity compared with conventional ground calcium carbonate fillers. Thus, this integrated process provides an effective and sustainable strategy for the low-energy production of CNFs and high-performance papermaking fillers. - COLLAPSE
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Development of High-Loading Filler for High Bulk Paper Using Nanocellulose Prepared by Ca(OH)2 Assisted Fibrillation
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Original Paper
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Preparation of Hydrophobic Cellulose Composites via Carbonation and Their Application in PLA-Based Biocomposites
탄산화 반응 기반 소수성 셀룰로오스 복합체 제조 및 PLA 바이오 복합소재로의 적용
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Seokhwan Yoon, Mingyu Hwang, Jimin Park, Kyeongbin Nam, Kangryeol Seo, Jungsoo Han, Yangxiaozhe Jiang
윤석환, 황민규, 박지민, 남경빈, 서강렬, 한정수, 장양소철
- Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with notable environmental benefits; however, its inherent brittleness limits its broader application. Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) …
- Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with notable environmental benefits; however, its inherent brittleness limits its broader application. Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) has been widely investigated as a reinforcing filler owing to its high strength and stiffness; however, the poor interfacial compatibility between hydrophilic MFC and hydrophobic PLA typically leads to filler agglomeration and inefficient stress transfer. Herein, MFC was modified using in situ-synthesized CaCO3 followed by fatty-acid treatment to improve its compatibility with PLA. The resulting MFC–CaCO3 composite filler was incorporated into PLA, and its influence on the mechanical and thermal properties of the resulting composites was evaluated. The incorporation of MFC–CaCO3 markedly enhanced the tensile properties of PLA compared with those of pristine PLA and PLA–MFC composites. Fracture surface analysis revealed more uniform filler dispersion and stronger interfacial adhesion, indicating more effective stress transfer between the composite filler and the PLA matrix. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a slight reduction in thermal stability, which was attributed to alkaline CaCO3, which catalyzed the degradation of PLA ester bonds at high temperatures. Differential scanning calorimetry showed that improved interfacial interactions restricted PLA chain mobility, leading to reduced crystallinity and a shift in the cold crystallization peak toward high temperatures. These findings demonstrate that the surface-engineered MFC–CaCO3 composite filler effectively mitigates the interfacial incompatibility between hydrophilic MFC and hydrophobic PLA, providing a promising strategy for reinforcing PLA-based composites. - COLLAPSE
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Preparation of Hydrophobic Cellulose Composites via Carbonation and Their Application in PLA-Based Biocomposites
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Original Paper
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Preparation of Granular Biochar from Citrus Pomace
감귤박 기반 입상형 바이오차 제조 연구
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Myeong Ho Lee, So Hyun Kim, Su In Cho, Jong Hwan Shin, Yong Joo Sung
이명호, 김소현, 조수인, 신종환, 성용주
- Citrus pomace is a major by-product of citrus processing; however, its utilization remains limited because of its high moisture content and low …
- Citrus pomace is a major by-product of citrus processing; however, its utilization remains limited because of its high moisture content and low pH. In this study, granular biochar was produced by first fabricating binder-free granules using the natural binding components of citrus pomace, followed by carbonization. Citrus tree pruning residues were blended with the pomace to control moisture content and to improve granule formability and carbonization characteristics. The proposed granulation–carbonization process produced biochar with a uniform particle size and shape, which markedly improved carbonization uniformity and product consistency compared with conventional biochar prepared from irregular biomass. The quality of the resulting biochar was evaluated based on its pH and elemental characteristics, including the H/C and O/C atomic ratios, confirming that high-quality biochar can be produced through the proposed process. In addition, the granular biochar generated fewer fines, thereby improving production yield and handling properties. Incorporating inorganic additives further demonstrated the potential to produce functional biochar with adjustable pH and nutrient-supplying capability. Overall, the proposed production process provides an effective strategy for the high-value utilization of citrus processing residues, and the resulting granular biochar offers considerable potential as an environmentally friendly soil amendment. - COLLAPSE
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Preparation of Granular Biochar from Citrus Pomace
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Original Paper
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Surface Coating Treatment for Quality Enhancement of Molded-Pulp Packaging for Fresh-Produce Storage
표면 코팅처리를 통한 신선식품용 펄프몰드 품질 강화 연구
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Yejin Shin, So Hyun Kim, Myeong Ho Lee, Yoon-No Lee, Jong Hwan Shin, Yong Joo Sung
신예진, 김소현, 이명호, 이윤노, 신종환, 성용주
- The increasing use of plastic-based food packaging has raised significant environmental concerns, leading to growing interest in recyclable and biodegradable alternatives such …
- The increasing use of plastic-based food packaging has raised significant environmental concerns, leading to growing interest in recyclable and biodegradable alternatives such as molded-pulp packaging. Despite its environmental advantages, conventional molded-pulp packaging has limited applications in fresh-produce packaging owing to its highly porous structure, which results in poor water and oil resistance, as well as inadequate moisture-barrier properties. In this study, a biodegradable-acrylic-based coating was applied to the surface of molded-pulp packaging to improve its barrier performance and preservation ability for fresh-produce packaging. The effects of the surface coating treatment on the physical properties, water and oil resistance, and storage performance of fresh produce were systematically investigated. The surface coating significantly improved the water and oil resistance of the molded-pulp packaging. The water contact angle increased from approximately 60° to 100°, whereas the oil contact angle increased from approximately 35° to 90°, substantially enhancing the water and oil resistance compared with the uncoated samples. Furthermore, food-simulant tests using tomato ketchup and oriental dressing demonstrated that the surface coating effectively suppressed liquid penetration and prevented surface contamination. In lettuce storage experiments, the coated packaging exhibited a moisture retention rate of 96.7%, compared with 76.7% for the uncoated packaging, thus maintaining superior visual appearance and textural quality of the produce in coated packaging. Storage tests with bananas and apples also exhibited reduced moisture loss and enzymatic browning, which resulted in improved freshness, color retention, structural integrity, and overall appearance. These findings demonstrate that biodegradable-acrylic surface coating effectively enhances the barrier properties and storage performance of molded-pulp packaging, thereby overcoming one of the major limitations of conventional molded-pulp packaging. The developed coated molded-pulp packaging shows considerable potential as an environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging for fresh produce. - COLLAPSE
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Surface Coating Treatment for Quality Enhancement of Molded-Pulp Packaging for Fresh-Produce Storage
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Original Paper
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Enhancing the Quality of Pulp-Mold Packaging for the Export of Horticultural Produce by Using Citrus Pomace Fibers and Functional Surface Coatings
과채류 수출 포장을 위한 감귤박 섬유 및 기능성 코팅 적용을 통한 펄프몰드 포장재 품질개선 연구
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So Hyun Kim, Myeong Ho Lee, Yejin Shin, Yoon-No Lee, Jong Hwan Shin, Yong Joo Sung
김소현, 이명호, 신예진, 이윤노, 신종환, 성용주
- The increasing demand for sustainable horticultural-produce packaging has created the need for eco-friendly materials with improved mechanical properties and storage performance. Citrus …
- The increasing demand for sustainable horticultural-produce packaging has created the need for eco-friendly materials with improved mechanical properties and storage performance. Citrus pomace, an abundant agricultural byproduct, has considerable potential as a biomass resource; however, its direct application to pulp molds is limited by its coarse and heterogeneous particle structure. In this study, we subjected citrus pomace to an alkaline pretreatment, followed by wet milling, to produce fine and uniform particles, which we incorporated into pulp fibers to fabricate functional pulp-mold packaging. We systematically evaluated the effects of adding citrus pomace to the pulp molds on their mechanical properties, storage performance, and insect-repellent functionality. The alkaline pretreatment and particle refinement we employed significantly improved the dispersion and interfacial bonding of citrus pomace with the pulp fibers, which enhanced the mechanical strength of the molded products. The optimum performance occurred at a citrus pomace content of approximately 30 wt.%; this provided the best mechanical properties without compromising mold integrity. Furthermore, the functional surface coating effectively preserved the quality of strawberries during storage, reducing the weight loss from 25.8% to 6.8% after five days. Additionally, the natural insect-repellent properties of the citrus pomace reduced insect infestation by approximately 83%, demonstrating its potential for protecting horticultural produce during storage and distribution. These findings demonstrate that alkaline-pretreated citrus pomace is an effective functional-biomass additive for pulp-mold packaging, as it simultaneously improves the mechanical performance, storage performance, and insect-repellent functionality of the packaging. Consequently, this approach provides a promising strategy for the valorization of citrus-processing byproducts and the development of sustainable, high-performance packaging materials for horticultural produce. - COLLAPSE
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Enhancing the Quality of Pulp-Mold Packaging for the Export of Horticultural Produce by Using Citrus Pomace Fibers and Functional Surface Coatings
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Original Paper
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Effects of Nanofiber Fabrication Methods and Silane Modification on the Performance of Cellulose-Based Lithium-Ion Battery Separators
나노섬유 제조 공정 및 실란 개질에 따른 셀룰로오스 기반 이차전지 분리막의 특성 평가
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Yejin Kim, Jaemin Jo, Junghoon Yang, Bonwook Koo
김예진, 조재민, 양정훈, 구본욱
- This study investigates the effects of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) fabrication methods and silane modification on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of lithium-ion …
- This study investigates the effects of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) fabrication methods and silane modification on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of lithium-ion battery separators. Three distinct CNFs—refined CNF (RE-CNF), enzymatically pretreated CNF (EN-CNF), and carboxymethylated CNF (CM-CNF)—were fabricated into separators via vacuum filtration followed by sequential ethanol–acetone–pentane solvent exchange. All three CNF types underwent identical silane modification using tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), while methyltrimethoxysilane-treated RE-CNF (M-RE-CNF) was included as an exploratory reference. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed successful silane modification, with Si concentrations of 3.44, 8.21, and 2.35 at.% on the surfaces of T-RE-CNF, T-EN-CNF, and T-CM-CNF, respectively, demonstrating that the extent of silylation depended on the CNF fabrication method. TEOS treatment also affected the dry-state porous architecture differently depending on the CNF type: the total pore volume remained largely unchanged for RE-CNF, decreased from 0.3674 to 0.2410 cm3·g-1 for EN-CNF, and markedly increased from 0.0299 to 0.1419 cm3·g-1 for CM-CNF. Although tensile strength declined after treatment for all samples, with the greatest decrease observed for EN-CNF, electrolyte uptake and retention displayed distinct trends that were governed by the initial CNF structure. In NMC622/Li half-cell evaluations, T-RE-CNF exhibited superior rate capability compared with untreated RE-CNF, delivering a discharge capacity of ~145 mAh·g-1 at a high rate of 10 C compared with 112 mAh·g-1 for untreated RE-CNF. These findings demonstrate that silane modification does not uniformly enhance the performance of cellulose-based separators; rather, its effectiveness is critically mediated by the chemical functionality and structural characteristics established during CNF production. - COLLAPSE
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Effects of Nanofiber Fabrication Methods and Silane Modification on the Performance of Cellulose-Based Lithium-Ion Battery Separators
Journal of Korea TAPPI
Korea Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry
한국펄프종이공학회
Korea Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry Suite 701, Chungmu Bldg., 7 Yeouidaebang-ro 69-gil,Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul 07333, Korea
Tel: +82-2-786-8620 / Fax: +82-2-786-8621 / E-mail: editor@ktappi.or.kr Copyright© Korea Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry. Powered by APUB
한국펄프종이공학회
Korea Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry Suite 701, Chungmu Bldg., 7 Yeouidaebang-ro 69-gil,Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul 07333, Korea
Tel: +82-2-786-8620 / Fax: +82-2-786-8621 / E-mail: editor@ktappi.or.kr Copyright© Korea Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry. Powered by APUB