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Mechanically Robust Gels Formed from Hydrophobized Cellulose Nanocrystals
Rinat Nigmatullin1, Robert Harniman2, Valeria Gabrielli3
1Bristol Composites Institute (ACCIS) , University of Bristol , Bristol BS8 1TR , United Kingdom.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|May 24, 2018
Summary
Modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with hydrophobic groups form exceptionally strong hydrogels at low concentrations. These novel CNCs enable robust supramolecular assemblies with starch, enhancing gel strength through favorable interactions.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Sulfated cellulose nanocrystals (sCNCs) are known nanomaterials with potential applications.
- Controlling the self-assembly and network formation of CNCs is crucial for developing advanced materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize hydrophobic cellulose nanocrystals (octyl-CNCs).
- To investigate the gelation properties and network formation of octyl-CNCs.
- To explore the use of octyl-CNCs in multicomponent supramolecular assemblies with starch.
Main Methods:
- Chemical modification of sulfated CNCs (sCNCs) with hydrophobic moieties (octyl groups).
- Hydrogel formation studies to determine gelation concentrations.
- Liquid crystalline phase analysis.
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to study interactions in multicomponent systems.
Main Results:
- Octyl-CNCs form gels at significantly lower concentrations than sCNCs, yielding extremely strong hydrogels.
- Octyl-CNCs do not form ordered liquid crystalline phases, indicating random network formation via hydrophobic interactions.
- Successful demonstration of multicomponent supramolecular assembly with starch, significantly increasing gel strength.
Conclusions:
- Hydrophobic modification of CNCs enhances their self-assembly into robust networks.
- Octyl-CNCs offer a pathway to creating high-strength hydrogels and advanced supramolecular materials.
- Favorable interactions between octyl-CNCs and starch contribute to enhanced material properties.
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