Improvement of the physical properties of paper sheet-lignophenol composites prepared using a facile impregnation technique

Lignophenol was separated from bamboo (Sinocalamus affinis) using a phase separation system. Different concentrations of a lignophenol-acetone solution were used to impregnate hardwood pulp fiber sheets (80 g/m2). The results showed that the tightness, tensile index, tear index, and burst index properties of sheets impregnated with a lignophenol acetone solution (80 g/L) increased 5.66%, 160.08%, 93.66%, and 140%, respectively, compared with sheets prepared without lignophenol. The lignophenol-hardwood pulp fiber composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicated that lignophenol uniformly adhered to the pulp fibers but no chemical bonding occurred. Additionally, both virgin and recycled softwood pulp fiber sheets (80 g/m2) were tested using the same method. Although the strength of all composites increased after impregnation, the most obvious improvement was observed in the hardwood pulp-based composite. This simple method improved the physical strength and hydrophobicity of the composite sheets.