HYDROPHOBIC LIGNOCELLULOSIC MATERIAL AND PROCESS THEREFOR

摘要

A method is conceived for producing hydrophobic lignocellulosics based on the graft copolymerisation of vinyl-type monomers onto the lignocellulosic backbone initiated by a redox couple initiator in aqueous medium. The green modification process can be carried out on any lignocellulosic material, for example, chemical, chemi-thermo-mechanical or thermo-mechanical pulps, bleached or unbleached. The technology disclosed in this invention yields individual lignocellulosic entities, for instance, hydrophobic pulp fibres, that can be used in combination with other fibres or polymers to produce nonwoven fibrous materials or composites. A significant aspect of the invention is that the modified lignocellulosic material possesses an efficient hydrophobic barrier and minimum interfacial energy to generate optimum adhesion when introduced to polymer resins. Hydrophobic lignocellulosics can have wide applications in products requiring high dimensional stability and excellent adhesion as in fibre-based packaging, decorative laminates, furniture and non-structural biocomposites.