Abstract:
This invention describes development of a novel flexible film comprising nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC), or cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and a controlled amount of a suitable zwitterionic (amphoteric) surfactant. The films are iridescent and have a high level of structural integrity, where mechanical properties can be engineered to suit the end applications. Flexible NCC films can be used in a multitude of applications, for instance, electrostatic shielding, gas barrier, hard coatings, printing.
Abstract:
A redispersible, chemically modified cellulose nanocrystal comprising an ionic adduct of a negative ion of sulfate, phosphate half-ester, carboxylic acid or mixtures thereof and a positively charged protonated amine compound. The modified cellulose nanocrystals are readily redispersible in a variety of media and produce stable emulsions. The modified cellulose nanocrystals are produced by adding to an aqueous suspension of acidic cellulose nanocrystals, a quantity of the amine compound to increase the pH of the suspension to about below the pKa of said amine, mixing and drying the resulting suspension to produce the redispersible CNC.