Implications of dry-heat ageing on the structure and mechanical properties of the special Chinese pulp fibre and its handsheets
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Bingwei Chen
,
Hao Ren
and
Wujun Xiao
Abstract
The phloem fibres of wingceltis (Pteroceltis tatarinowii) are a key resource for traditional Chinese handmade paper. This study investigated changes in handsheets made from phloem fibres of wingceltis during dry-heat ageing. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectra indicated that mild oxidation occurred in cellulose. Though minimal, this oxidation could still induce cellulose degradation, leading to a decrease in the mechanical properties of individual phloem fibres. The analysis of the pore structure via nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms revealed a complex, hybrid variation mode, characterised by the reduction of larger pores and/or voids while micropores formed. By combining chemical, structural, and mechanical analyses, this study demonstrated a simultaneous occurrence of a decrease in fibre strength and an increase in inter-fibre bond strength. However, the modest enhancement in inter-fibre bond strength was insufficient to compensate for the decline in the mechanical strength of the individual fibres. This work attempted to evaluate the mechanical properties of paper from a microscale perspective, highlighting its potential for future non-destructive analysis of paper relics.
Funding source: the National Natural Science Foundation of China
Award Identifier / Grant number: 3,2371800
Funding source: the National First-class Disciplines (PNFD)
Acknowledgments
The authors acknowledge financial support from the National First-class Disciplines (PNFD), and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32371800). The authors thank Prof. Huamin Zhai for his valuable suggestions. BC was extremely grateful for the support of the Max Planck Society and Dr. Michaela Eder from Adaptive Fibrous Materials.
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Author contributions: The author has accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
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Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.
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Research funding: National First-class Disciplines (PNFD), China Scholarship Council (CSC), National Natural Science Foundation of China, Grant number 32371800.
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Data availability: All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article.
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