Blocks

Cellulose nanocrystals can emulsify, making colloidal suspensions by forming a stable interface between two immiscible liquids, such as oil and water or water in oil.

The emulsifying properties of cellulose nanocrystals stem from their concentration at the oil-water interface which stabilizes the resulting emulsion. Cellulose nanocrystals have hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) crystal facets, which allow them to orient at the oil-water interface to form a stable layer that prevents the droplets from coalescing and the two phases from separating.

Furthermore, CNCs can form a three-dimensional network at the interface, which provides additional stability to the emulsion. The strength of this network depends on various factors, such as the concentration, the pH of the system, and the nature of the oils and emulsifiers used.

Emulsifies

Cellulose nanocrystals can be functionalized through various chemical modification methods, allowing their properties to be tailored for specific applications. Cellulose nanocrystals can be modified with chemical groups to improve their interaction with other substances.

Cellulose nanocrystals can be modified with groups that can allow cross-linking. This change can be used to enhance the mechanical properties and stability of composites or coatings.

Cellulose nanocrystals can be functionalized through polymer grafting. The attached polymers allow better compatibility with polymer systems, improving dispersibility and resulting properties of the reinforced polymer.

Overall, functionalizing cellulose nanocrystals expands their range of potential applications.

Functionalization

Cellulose nanocrystals can act as particle lubricants. They work by reducing friction and wear between two surfaces by forming a protective layer on the surface. They can shear under flow and fill in surface irregularities, reducing the contact area between the two surfaces and decreasing friction.

Cellulose nanocrystals can also act as a sacrificial layer, meaning that they wear away more easily than the surfaces they are protecting. This can help to prevent damage to the underlying surfaces and prolong the life of the equipment.

Lubricates

Cellulose nanocrystals organise in suspension which can cause structures to develop which can interact with light. When these suspensions are dried slowly, helical crystal planes are developed in the resulting solid film which diffract light. This property can be used to create structural colours upon drying because light is reflected differently depending on the orientation of the helix relative to the direction of light polarization.

Optically Active

Cellulose nanocrystals organise in suspension which can cause structures to develop which can interact with light. When these suspensions are dried slowly, helical crystal planes are developed in the resulting solid film which diffract light. This property can be used to create structural colours upon drying because light is reflected differently depending on the orientation of the helix relative to the direction of light polarization.

Strengthens

p class="feature-two__text">Cellulose nanocrystals have a high aspect ratio (length to width ratio) and are inherently strong. The elastic moduli for individual particles is in the range of 100-140 GPa, which is comparable to or higher than other high-strength materials like carbon fiber or KevlarTM.

Cellulose nanocrystals can strengthen materials through their ability to form strong bonds with other components and create a network that reinforces the material and increase its strength.

In addition, cellulose nanocrystals can act as nucleating agents which can promote the formation of small crystal nuclei, which can then grow into larger crystals and increase the crystallinity of the material. This increased crystallinity can lead to improved mechanical properties.

Suspends

When cellulose nanocrystals are properly dispersed in a liquid, they form ordered structures which imparts liquid crystal properties to the suspension. The liquid crystal is a dynamic network that can limit the motion of other particles and prevent them from settling.

This ability to suspend other particles also allow for a better distribution and dispersion of the suspended particles which in turn allow them to perform better (reduced usage). This ability is maintained even at high temperature when compared to standard polymeric suspension agents.

Thermally Stable

Cellulose nanocrystals are known to exhibit high thermal stability due to their crystalline nature and strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The thermal stability of cellulose nanocrystals can vary depending on their source and preparation method. In general, they are stable up to temperatures of 250-300°C, without significant degradation, although some changes in their properties, such as discoloration, may occur.

At higher temperatures, cellulose nanocrystals can undergo thermal degradation, which results in a reduction in their crystallinity and loss of some of their mechanical properties.

Thickens

Cellulose nanocrystals have been shown to effectively thicken various materials, including liquids and coatings. Their high surface area, large number of hydroxyl (-OH) groups and electrostatic interactions contribute to the thickening effect of the material.

Cellulose nanocrystals exhibit non-Newtonian fluid behavior where its viscosity decreases as the shear rate increases and the fluid flows more easily.

Example: NanoCellX® can be added to oil and gas fluids to maintain viscosity in higher operating temperature ranges*.