In the present work the evolution of
physical and mechanical properties of papers and
nanopapers is studied. Handsheets made of eucalyptus
fibres reinforced with 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 wt% of
nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) content were fabricated
using a Rapid Ko¨then-like equipment. The
obtained papers and nanopapers were physical- and
mechanically-characterized. The results showed a
significant increase in density and a reduction of
porosity in the samples during their transition from
paper to nanopaper; besides, nanopapers were more
transparent and smoother than normal papers. These
physical changes where more evident with increasing
amounts of NFC. Regarding mechanical properties,
nanopapers with a 100 wt% content of NFC improved
their strength and rigidity in 228 and 317 %, respectively,
in comparison with normal papers. The evolution
of strength and rigidity from paper to nanopaper
was linear in relation to the amount of NFC, which
means that the ultimate tensile strength was mainly
dependant on nanofibril failure.