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Characterization of pulp derived nanocellulose hydrogels using AVAPĀ® technology.
- Source :
-
Carbohydrate Polymers . Oct2018, Vol. 198, p270-280. 11p. - Publication Year :
- 2018
-
Abstract
- Bioinspiration from hierarchical structures found in natural environments has heralded a new age of advanced functional materials. Nanocellulose has received significant attention due to the demand for high-performance materials with tailored mechanical, physical and biological properties. In this study, nanocellulose fibrils, nanocrystals and a novel mixture of fibrils and nanocrystals (blend) were prepared from softwood biomass using the AVAP® biorefinery technology. These materials were characterized using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. This analysis revealed a nano- and microarchitecture with extensive porosity. Notable differences included the nanocrystals exhibiting a compact packing of nanorods with reduced porosity. The NC blend exhibited porous fibrillar networks with interconnecting compact nanorods. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction confirmed a pure cellulose I structure. Thermal studies highlighted the excellent stability of all three NC materials with the nanocrystals having the highest decomposition temperature. Surface charge analysis revealed stable colloid suspensions. Rheological studies highlighted a dominance of elasticity in all variants, with the NC blend being more rigid than the NC fibrils and nanocrystals, indicating a double network hydrogel structure. Given these properties, it is thought that these materials show great potential in (bio)nanomaterial applications where careful control of microarchitecture, surface topography and porosity are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01448617
- Volume :
- 198
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Carbohydrate Polymers
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 131112166
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.06.091