Person:
Monte Lara, María Concepción

First Name

María Concepción

Last Name

Monte Lara

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/76231

Affiliation

Universidad Complutense de Madrid

Faculty / Institute

Ciencias Químicas

Department

Ingeniería Química y de Materiales

Area

Ingeniería Química

Identifiers

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 11

Industrial Application of Nanocelluloses in Papermaking: A Review of Challenges, Technical Solutions, and Market Perspectives
(Molecules, 2020) Balea Martín, Ana; Fuente González, Elena de la; Monte Lara, María Concepción; Merayo, Noemi; Campano Tiedra, Cristina; Negro Álvarez, Carlos Manuel; Blanco Suárez, Ángeles
Nanocelluloses (NC) increase mechanical and barrier paper properties allowing the use of paper in applications actually covered by other materials. Despite the exponential increase of information, NC have not been fully implemented in papermaking yet, due to the challenges of using NC. This paper provides a review of the main new findings and emerging possibilities in this field by focusing mainly on: (i) Decoupling the effects of NC on wet-end and paper properties by using synergies with retention aids, chemical modification, or filler preflocculation; (ii) challenges and solutions related to the incorporation of NC in the pulp suspension and its effects on barrier properties; and (iii) characterization needs of NC at an industrial scale. The paper also includes the market perspectives. It is concluded that to solve these challenges specific solutions are required for each paper product and process, being the wet-end optimization the key to decouple NC effects on drainage and paper properties. Furthermore, the effect of NC on recyclability must also be taken into account to reach a compromise solution. This review helps readers find upscale options for using NC in papermaking and identify further research needs within this field.
Recycled Fibers for Sustainable Hybrid Fiber Cement Based Material: A Review
(Materials, 2021) Balea Martín, Ana; Fuente González, Elena De La; Monte Lara, María Concepción; Blanco Suárez, María Ángeles; Negro Álvarez, Carlos Manuel
Reinforcing fibers have been widely used to improve physical and mechanical properties of cement-based materials. Most fiber reinforced composites (FRC) involve the use of a single type of fiber to improve cement properties, such as strength or ductility. To additionally improve other parameters, hybridization is required. Another key challenge, in the construction industry, is the implementation of green and sustainable strategies based on reducing raw materials consumption, designing novel structures with enhanced properties and low weight, and developing low environmental impact processes. Different recycled fibers have been used as raw materials to promote circular economy processes and new business opportunities in the cement-based sector. The valuable use of recycled fibers in hybrid FRC has already been proven and they improve both product quality and sustainability, but the generated knowledge is fragmented. This is the first review analyzing the use of recycled fibers in hybrid FRC and the hybridization effect on mechanical properties and workability of FRC. The paper compiles the best results and the optimal combinations of recycled fibers for hybrid FRC to identify key insights and gaps that may define future research to open new application fields for recycled hybrid FRC.
Project number: 120
CHEM-E-CAR: De la teoría a la práctica. Construcción de un prototipo
(2017) Monte Lara, María Concepción; Balea Martín, Ana; López Expósito, Patricio; Campano Tiedra, Cristina; Cortijo Garrido, Luis; Plaza Rodriguez, Jesus; Barndok, Helen; Miranda Carreño, Rubén; Tijero Cruz, Antonio; Ladero Galán, Miguel; García-Ochoa Soria, Félix; Senit Velasco, Juan José; Velasco Conde, Daniel; Alcalá Penades, Germán; Mato Díaz, Sonia; Pérez Trujillo, Francisco Javier; Santos Barahona, Héctor; Lasanta Carrasco, María Isabel; de Miguel Gamo, María Teresa; García Martín, Gustavo; Illana Sánchez, Andrea; Alberola Sánchez, Raúl; Arsuaga Cao, Pablo; Ara Jimeno, Pablo; Avila Palomares, Alberto; Bolívar Tejedo, Pilar; Carlucci, Maurizio Antonio; del Amo Salgado, Pablo; Espinosa García, Lucía; Fernández Rodríguez, Gemma; Galán Galán, Alicia; Márquez Negro, Alejandro; Martín Jiménez, Diego; Morona Murillo, Lorena; Pedregal Sáez, Antonio; Resino Guirao, Jesús; Negro Álvarez, Carlos Manuel; Fuente González, Elena De La; Blanco Suárez, María Ángeles
El proyecto consiste en construir un prototipo de coche “Chem-E-Car” y constituir a la UCM como una de las primeras universidades españolas que participa en dicha competición internacional.
Gel Point as Measurement of Dispersion Degree of Nano-Cellulose Suspensions and Its Application in Papermaking
(Nanomaterials, 2022) Sánchez Salvador, José Luis; Balea Martín, Ana; Negro Álvarez, Carlos Manuel; Monte Lara, María Concepción; Blanco Suárez, Ángeles
The dispersion degree of cellulose micro and nanofibrils (CMFs/CNFs) in water suspensions is key to understand and optimize their effectiveness in several applications. In this study, we proposed a method, based on gel point (Øg), to calculate both aspect ratio and dispersion degree. This methodology was validated through the morphological characterization of CMFs/CNFs by Transmission Electronic Microscopy. The influence of dispersion degree on the reinforcement of recycled cardboard has also been evaluated by stirring CMF/CNF suspensions at different speeds. Results show that as stirring speed increases, Øg decreased to a minimum value, in which the aspect ratio is maximum. Then, Øg increased again. Suspensions with lower Øg, in the intermediate region of agitation present very good dispersion behavior with an open and spongy network structure, in which nanofibril clusters are totally dispersed. Higher stirring speeds shorten the nanofibrils and the networks collapse. Results show that the dispersion of the nanocellulose at the minimum Øg before their addition to the pulp, produces higher mechanical properties, even higher than when CNFs and pulp are agitated together. This method allows for the determination of the CMF/CNF dispersion, to maximize their behavior as strength agents. This knowledge would be crucial to understand why some industrial trials did not give satisfactory results.
Study of The Reaction Mechanism to Produce Nanocellulose-Graft-Chitosan Polymer
(Nanomaterials, 2018) Sánchez Salvador, José Luis; Balea Martín, Ana; Monte Lara, María Concepción; Blanco Suárez, Ángeles; Negro Álvarez, Carlos Manuel
Cellulose and chitin are the most abundant polymeric materials in nature, capable of replacing conventional synthetic polymers. From them, cellulose nano/microfibers (CNFs/CMFs) and chitosan are obtained. Both polymers have been used separately in graft copolymerization but there are not many studies on the use of cellulose and chitosan together as copolymers and the reaction mechanism is unknown. In this work, the reaction mechanism to produce nano/microcellulose-graft-chitosan polymer has been studied. Recycled cellulose pulp was used, with and without a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl-radical (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation pretreatment, to produce CNFs and CMFs, respectively. For chitosan, a low-molecular weight product dissolved in an acetic acid solution was prepared. Grafted polymers were synthesized using a microwave digester. Results showed that TEMPO-mediated oxidation as the cellulose pretreatment is a key factor to obtain the grafted polymer CNF-g-CH. A reaction mechanism has been proposed where the amino group of chitosan attacks the carboxylic group of oxidized cellulose, since non-oxidized CMFs do not achieve the desired grafting. 13C NMR spectra, elemental analysis and SEM images validated the proposed mechanism. Finally, CNF-g-CH was used as a promising material to remove water-based inks and dyes from wastewater.
Cellulose nanofibers and chitosan to remove flexographic inks from wastewaters
(Water research and technology, 2019) Balea Martín, Ana; Monte Lara, María Concepción; Fuente González, Elena De La; Negro Álvarez, Carlos Manuel; Sánchez Salvador, José Luis; Blanco Suárez, María Ángeles
Flexographic printing technology is an economical, productive, low maintenance and versatile technology. However, the removal of these inks by the traditional flotation process during paper recycling is not possible since they remain dissolved in the waters, making necessary the development of alternative methods. Recent studies have revealed the potential use of nanocellulose (NC) combined with a cationic polyacrylamide to remove flexographic inks from wastewater. The use of a natural polymer, such as chitosan, would be an important improvement of this treatment because NC and chitosan are the two most abundant natural polymers with interesting properties, such as non-toxicity and biodegradability. Therefore, in this study the decolorization of three flexographic inks (copper phthalocyanine blue, carbon black and diarylide yellow) by the sequential addition of cellulose nanofibers, produced from recycled paper, and chitosan has been evaluated. Results show that this eco-friendly approach has high potential for the removal of water-based inks with an almost 100% reduction of turbidity and ink from the wastewater. Moreover, the final sludge containing nanocellulose and inks could be used to reinforce the pulp of the middle layers of carton board, improving the mechanical properties of the product and reducing waste generation.
Estrategias para favorecer la comunicación Universidad-Empresa y fomentar la inserción laboral de los estudiantes a lo largo de su trayectoria formativa
(2023) Fuente González, Elena De La; Alache Manchado, Beatriz; Ayllon Salazar, Joaquin; Balea Martín, Ana; Barrientos Báez, Almudena Carmen; Blanco Suárez, María Ángeles; Comin Barrio, Jorge; Corpa Garcia, Elena; Corpa Santos, Cristina; Dieguez Molina, Xena Teresa; Finkel Morgenstern, Lucila; Gallego Ferrández, Alicia; Gómez Sierra, María Eugenia; Martín Hernández, Mª Isabel; Martínez Lezon, Leila; Monte Lara, María Concepción; Negro Álvarez, Carlos Manuel; Ojembarrena Jiménez, Francisco De Borja; Parra Contreras, María Pilar; Sánchez Salvador, José Luis; Sanz González, Javier; Souto Casas, Alberto; Tijero Cruz, Antonio; Valdés Antón, Pablo; Vergara Ortega, Sandra; Xu, Hongyu
El objetivo general de este proyecto de innovación docente titulado “Estrategias para favorecer la comunicación Universidad-Empresa y fomentar la inserción laboral de los estudiantes a lo largo de su trayectoria formativa” fue desarrollar estrategias para potenciar la comunicación directa y transversal Universidad-Empresa con el fin de mejorar el conocimiento y estimular la formación de los estudiantes (ES) del grado en Ingeniería Química (GIQ), grado en Química (GQ) y grado en Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos (GCyTA), y facilitar la adquisición, por parte del estudiante, de una visión propia del mercado laboral que le permita establecer una meta o visión personal que aumente su motivación durante su trayectoria formativa. Adicionalmente, el docente podrá incrementar la motivación de sus alumnos y mejorar su rendimiento académico. Asimismo, será posible conocer el interés de los estudiantes por la carrera investigadora y docente, y mantener una conexión actualizada con el ámbito laboral, estableciendo contactos que faciliten la integración de los estudiantes en el mundo laboral.
Effect of bleached eucalyptus and pine cellulose nanofibers on the physico-mechanical properties of cartonboard
(Bioresources, 2016) Balea Martín, Ana; Blanco Suárez, María Ángeles; Monte Lara, María Concepción; Merayo, Noemi; Negro Álvarez, Carlos Manuel
Extending the limits of paper recycling by increasing the number of recycling cycles results in decreased mechanical properties due to the irreversible hornification of cellulose fibers. This process alters the fiber structure and properties because of the repeated chemical and mechanical treatments that occur during wetting and drying. As a result, poor tensile strength is the main source of customer complaints to paper manufacturers. Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) from bleached eucalyptus and pine pulps were investigated as potential strength additives because of their proven contribution to interfiber bonding. These results were compared to the results obtained using different families of strength additives. The effects on the mechanical properties of recycled old corrugated containers were studied by measuring bursting, tensile, and short span compressive strength. Cellulose nanofibers and cationic polyacrylamide (cPAM) improved the mechanical strength properties when they were added at doses around 4 wt.%. A combination of CNF and cPAM was also tested. The effects of the combined additives were not as high as expected compared to the results achieved individually. The CNF from pine pulp resulted in the highest increase in bursting index when combined with cPAM, achieving an increase of over 93%. The combination of CNF from eucalyptus pulp and cPAM increased the bursting index over 60%.
Application of cellulose nanofibers to remove water-based flexographic inks from wastewaters
(Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2017) Balea Martín, Ana; Monte Lara, María Concepción; Fuente González, Elena De La; Negro Álvarez, Carlos Manuel; Blanco Suárez, María Ángeles
Water-based or flexographic inks in paper and plastic industries are more environmentally favourable than organic solvent-based inks. However, their use also creates new challenges because they remain dissolved in water and alter the recycling process. Conventional deinking technologies such as flotation processes do not effectively remove them. Adsorption, coagulation/flocculation, biological and membrane processes are either expensive or have negative health impacts, making the development of alternative methods necessary. Cellulose nanofibers (CNF) are biodegradable, and their structural and mechanical properties are useful for wastewater treatment. TEMPO-oxidised CNF have been evaluated for the decolourisation of wastewaters that contained copper phthalocyanine blue, carbon black and diarlyide yellow pigments. CNF in combination with a cationic polyacrylamide (cPAM) has also been tested. Jar-test methodology was used to evaluate the efficiency of the different treatments and cationic/anionic demand, turbidity and ink concentration in waters were measured. Results show that dual-component system for ink removal has a high potential as an alternative bio-based adsorbent for the removal of water-based inks. In addition, experiments varying CNF and cPAM concentrations were performed to optimise the ink-removal process. Ink concentration reductions of 100%, 87.5% and 83.3% were achieved for copper phthalocyanine blue, carbon black and diarlyide yellow pigments, respectively. Flocculation studies carried out show the decolourisation mechanism during the dual-component treatment of wastewaters containing waterbased inks.
Nanocellulose characterization challenges
(Bioresources, 2021) Balea Martín, Ana; Blanco Suárez, María Ángeles; Delgado-Aguilar, Marc; Monte Lara, María Concepción; Tarrés, Quim; Fuente González, Elena De La; Mutjé, Per; Negro Álvarez, Carlos Manuel
Despite the extraordinary properties of nanocellulose (NC), as confirmed through two decades of exhaustive research, addressing an array of potential applications, the NC market is still far from reaching its full potential. Among the main causes is the lack of process-adapted measuring tools capable of characterizing NC, at acceptable speed and reliability, to meet the industrial demands in a cost-effective way. Therefore, reliable characterization methodologies of NC and new standards are of paramount importance in ensuring reproducible research results and quality control specifications for present and future NC products and applications. Furthermore, the successful industrial use of NC products depends on critical parameters that are still being identified and studied. This review paper aims to identify some of the current drawbacks and limitations in NC characterization that hinder their commercial deployment. Moreover, important challenges related to characterization and new opportunities for future research in this field are addressed.