Cellulose reinforced green foams

This chapter introduces the science, technologies, and applications related to the use of biopolymers and biomaterials in the development of porous structures. The main focus is placed on bio-based foams incorporated with natural fibres. The chapter review the composition of bio-based foams, process methods, properties of these porous materials as well as performance and application of the resulting foam. A section of a chapter is dedicated to interesting platform for functionalization of cellulose fibres with layered double hydroxides. Furthermore, presenting engineering process of the in situ synthesis of Mg-Al layered double hydroxides with pulp fibres. Layered double hydroxides have a particularly interesting property that neither of the constituent precursors has in themselves. Layered double hydroxides carry a net positive charge due to trivalent aluminium. To counter that charge build up there are intercalated anionic components in between its lamella. Cellulose fibres are naturally acidic facilitating electrostatic interaction with layer double hydroxide in neutral or alkaline medium. Therefore the synthesis of layered double hydroxides in situ with cellulose fibres may bring additional benefit to the foam process in which the addition of additive such as flame retardants after the foam has been formed is difficult unless it is inherently part of the matrix.