Granular Microfibrillated Cellulose Preventing Hornification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The commercialization of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) in paper making is hindered by its gel-like and hygroscopic properties, leading to energy-intensive dewatering processes and hornification, which damages cellulose fibrils and reduces paper strength, making it difficult to transport and store effectively.
Innovation Solution
A granular microfibrillated cellulose product with low water content and high solid content is developed, which is easy to handle and transport, and is produced using agricultural biomass, preventing hornification and maintaining paper strength without the need for additives, allowing for efficient storage and use as a paper strength agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If MFC is dewatered and dried to high solids content for transportability, then ease of handling and transport is improved, but hornification occurs which damages cellulose fibrils and reduces paper strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of MFC from a gel-like wet form to a free-flowing granular dry form by controlling the drying process. This parameter change enables transportability while the granular structure prevents hornification, thereby maintaining paper strength when redispersed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent accepts that MFC will undergo some transformation during processing but designs the process to create a stable granular form that can be stored and transported. The granular MFC is designed to be redispersed when needed, accepting the temporary dry state as a necessary intermediate form for commercialization.
2Loss of energy
If MFC is kept at high solids content to reduce water weight for transport, then loss of energy in transportation is improved, but dewatering and drying processes consume significant energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms MFC from a gel-like state to a granular dry state, fundamentally changing its physical parameters. This enables the product to be transported in a low-moisture form, reducing transportation energy, while the granular structure allows for energy-efficient drying compared to traditional MFC processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the MFC into granular particles with controlled size distribution. This segmentation creates free-flowing material that can be easily transported and handled, reducing the energy required for pumping and processing compared to gel-like MFC suspensions.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If MFC is processed to remove water for storage stability, then shelf life is improved, but hornification occurs which reduces the effectiveness of MFC as a paper strength agent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of MFC to a granular dry form with controlled moisture content. This parameter change extends shelf life by preventing microbial growth and degradation, while the granular structure prevents hornification, maintaining the ability to provide paper strength when redispersed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the granular MFC as a stable, storable product that can be kept in dry form for extended periods. The granular structure acts as a protective form that prevents deterioration during storage, allowing the MFC to maintain its paper-strengthening properties when deployed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a granular microfibrillated cellulose product comprising a microfibrillated cellulose originating from agricultural biomass, said microfibrillated cellulose product comprising ≤75 wt % of cellulose, preferably ≤70 wt %, based on dry solids content of said product, wherein said granular microfibrillated cellulose product has a bulk density of 500-1200 kg/m3; a flowability of 5-60 ml/s, measured by a Copley scientific powder flowability tester having a stainless steel cylinder with orifice 16 or funnel with orifice 15; and a water content of at most 60 wt %, based on total microfibrillated cellulose product. The present invention further relates to its manufacture and use in and manufacture of paper and paperboard products.