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Decreasing the Wettability of Cellulose Nanocrystal Surfaces Using Wrinkle-Based Alignment
Ragesh Prathapan1, Joseph D Berry2, Andreas Fery3
1School of Chemistry, Monash University , Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|April 13, 2017
Summary
We developed a novel printing method to align cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) into hydrophobic coatings. This technique creates durable, water-repellent surfaces from natural biopolymers, offering a practical solution for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) possess desirable properties like high strength and nanoscale dimensions.
- The inherent hydrophilicity of CNCs limits their use in many coating applications.
- Existing methods to impart hydrophobicity often involve complex chemical functionalization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, template-mediated printing process for creating hydrophobic surfaces using native CNCs.
- To demonstrate the ability to align CNCs and permanently pattern them onto surfaces.
- To evaluate the water-repellent properties and durability of the resulting CNC coatings.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a wrinkled template-mediated printing process to align CNCs.
- Implementing a novel method for complete CNC release and permanent surface adsorption.
- Investigating the effect of aligned CNCs on droplet pinning and roll-off behavior.
Main Results:
- Achieved hydrophobic CNC-coated surfaces through aligned native CNCs without chemical modification.
- Demonstrated strong water droplet pinning with high contact angles and large roll-off angles.
- Confirmed resistance to oil contamination and the potential for large-scale, cost-effective fabrication.
Conclusions:
- Aligned native CNCs can effectively create durable hydrophobic surfaces via a simple printing method.
- This approach overcomes the limitations of CNC hydrophilicity for practical coating applications.
- The fabrication process is scalable and cost-effective, utilizing readily available cellulosic materials.
