A novel cellulose nano material was prepared through a controlled Fenton oxidation process utilizing hydrogen peroxide and ferrous ions. The reaction parameters enabled ferrous-catalyzed oxidation, which combined with mechanical treatment resulted in an effective fibrillation of cellulose fibers. Optical microscopy images provided a visual comparison of fiber morphology between untreated hardwood pulp and Fenton-treated samples, clearly illustrating the fibrillation effect. The samples were evaluated for fiber drainage behavior, and conclusions about accessibility and the extent of fibrillation were made. Measurements of the surface charge of the samples revealed an increase in negative charges originating from added carboxyl groups, which is essential for the dispersing and stabilization of cellulose nano fibrils and micro-fibrillated cellulose (CNF/MFC). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the introduction of the carboxyl groups due to the Fenton treatment. The CNF/MFC material was used as paper coatings, without adding additional materials. The coated samples underwent analyses of permeability and roughness, revealing possibilities for enhancements in barrier properties and hydrophobicity. The results emphasize the ability of Fenton oxidation in generating high-quality small scale cellulosic materials with customized functionalities, underscoring their potential application in advanced coating technologies and sustainable material innovation.

This study investigates the preparation and characterization of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) derived from hardwood bleached kraft pulp (HWBK) through an oxidation and homogenization process. The HWBK was treated according to a Fenton process using ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄·7H₂O) to enable Fe²⁺ ions to adsorb and diffuse into the pulp fibers. Subsequently, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) was introduced to initiate an oxidation reaction catalyzed by the embedded Fe²⁺ ions, facilitating the breakdown of the fiber structure. The oxidized fibers were then thoroughly washed and subjected to PFI mill refining to produce a uniform CNF dispersion. The properties of the CNF dispersion, including its viscosity, were assessed to determine the extent of nanofibrillation. Characterization techniques such as polarized optical microscopy and charge density test were employed to analyze the morphological and chemical features of the resulting CNF. The findings demonstrate a successful preparation of CNF from HWBK, with potential applications in various nanocomposite and biodegradable materials. The project is still ongoing and other characteristic test such as energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and AFM are in the target. Results will be discussed in relation to other CNFs, especially those using Fenton chemistry.