A Lightweight, Biodegradable, and Recyclable Cellulose-Based Bio-Foam with Good Mechanical Strength and Water Stability

Foam materials have been widely used in a variety of applications. However, plastic foams pose a particularly complex problem because they are mostly disposable, hard to recycle in most areas, and can never be fully degraded. Here, naturally degradable cellulose-based bio-foam was obtained by combining refined pulp fibers, PAE, and sodium dodecyl sulfate after vigorous mixing, drainage, and drying, where the porous structure was formed through internal hydrogen and chemical bonding between the cellulose fibers. Mechanical properties of the resulted bio-foam were improved, and the bio-foam exhibited inherent low density, sufficient water stability, excellent natural degradability (93% degradation in 85 days), and good cost efficiency. Considering the low cost of raw materials, designs of foam material based on cellulose structures have the potential to be a suitable solution to the environmental challenges associated with the extensive use of petrochemical-based foams