Overview on Foam Forming Cellulose Materials for Cushioning Packaging Applications

Polymers

Silviu Marian Năstac¹  Petronela Nechita² 

[1] Research Center for Mechanics of Machines and Technological Equipments, Engineering and Agronomy Faculty in Brăila, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, 810017 Braila, Romania;Research and Consultancy Center for Agronomy and Environment, Engineering and Agronomy Faculty in Brăila, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, 810017 Braila, Romania;

关键词: foam forming;    cellulose fibers;    cushioning;    packaging;    strength;    surfactant;   

DOI  :  10.3390/polym14101963

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Wet foam can be used as a carrier in the manufacturing of lightweight materials based on natural and man-made fibers and specific additives. Using a foam forming method and cellulose fibers, it is possible to produce the porous materials with large area of end-using such as protective and cushioning packaging, filtering, hydroponic, thermal and sound absorption insulation, or other building materials. In comparison with the water-forming used for conventional paper products, foam-forming method provides many advantages. In particular, since fibers inside the foam are mostly trapped between the foam bubbles, the formed materials have an excellent homogeneity. This allows for using long fibers and a high consistency in head box without significant fiber flocking. As result, important savings in water and energy consumptions for dewatering and drying of the foam formed materials are obtained. In cushioning packaging, foam-formed cellulose materials have their specific advantages comparing to other biodegradable packaging (corrugated board, molded pulp) and can be a sustainable alternative to existing synthetic foams (i.e., expanded polystyrene or polyurethane foams). This review discusses the technical parameters to be controlled during foam forming of cellulose materials to ensure their performances as cushioning and protective packaging. The focus was on the identification of practical solutions to compensate the strength decreasing caused by reduced density and low resistance to water of foam formed cellulose materials.

【 授权许可】

Unknown