Physical properties and morphology of films prepared from microfibrillated cellulose and microfibrillated cellulose in combination with amylopectin

Two types of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) were prepared using either a sulfite pulp containing a high amount of hemicellulose (MFC 1) or a carboxymethylated dissolving pulp (MFC 2). MFC gels were then combined with amylopectin solutions to produce solvent‐cast MFC‐reinforced amylopectin films. Tensile testing revealed that MFC 2‐reinforced films exhibited a more ductile behavior and that MFC 1‐reinforced films had higher modulus of elasticity (E‐modulus) at MFC loadings of 50 wt % or higher. Pure MFC films had relatively low oxygen permeability values when data were compared with those for a variety of other polymer films. MFC 1 and MFC 2 films had similar opacity but differences in appearance which were attributed to the presence of some larger fibers and nanofiber agglomerates in MFC 2. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to illustrate the morphology of MFC nanofibers in pure films and in an amylopectin matrix. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Solid Freeform Fabrication of Aqueous Alumina–Poly(vinyl alcohol) Gelcasting Suspensions

Solid freeform fabrication of aqueous alumina–poly(vinyl alcohol) (Al₂O₃–PVA) gel-casting suspensions was conducted using a computer-controlled extrusion apparatus fitted with a two-nozzle delivery system. The impact of casting parameters on the shear rate profiles experienced during deposition was evaluated via conventional flow analysis and computer simulations. In addition, the influence of these parameters on line resolution/uniformity, printability, and as-cast component properties was studied using laser profilometry, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Continuous printablity was achieved for tip diameters ranging from 0.254 to 1.370 mm for all mixing rates and suspension compositions studied. Printed lines were uniform with good edge definition, and line dimensions were independent of mixing rate for these process conditions. The Al₂O₃ volume fraction (φ_Al2O3) in the as-deposited layers depended on casting conditions and cross-linking agent concentration, where (φ_Al2O3 increased with decreased tip diameter and increased cross-linking agent concentration. The free-formed Al₂O₃ components exhibited uniform particle packing, with minimal macrodefects (e.g., slumping or staircasing) and no discernable microdefects (e.g., bubbles or cracking).     

Dissolved Silicon and Its Origin in Belgian Beers—A Multivariate Analysis

Beer is a quintessential part of Belgian heritage. We performed a detailed analysis of factors controlling Si content in Belgian beers as a case study to coincide with the 2011 IBiS meeting in Antwerp (Belgium). Beer is one of the richest dietary sources of Si. Three decades of research have yielded evidence of a role for Si in human physiology: it plays an essential role in bone mineral density and reduces the biological availability of aluminium. We analysed 119 Belgian beers: highest dissolved Si concentrations were found in high fermentation, traditionally brewed ales. Concentrations ranged between 214 and 2,071 μmol L^???1. This is probably due to the complexity and length of the brewing procedure: longer, more complicated processing and presence of brewing sediment in the bottle allows more Si to dissolve out of the base products like hop, barley or even rice. As a side effect of fermentation, alcohol content was related to Si content.