Cellulose Nanocrystals Mimicking Micron-Sized Fibers to Assess the Deposition of Latex Particles on Cotton

We report the interactions of cationic latex particles synthesized by RAFT/MADIX-mediated emulsion polymerization with anionic cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cotton fabrics. Latexes in size range 200-300 nm poly(butyl acrylate) or poly(2-ethylhexyl hydropho-bic cores hydrophilic shell are synthesized. show that latex/CNC interaction is me-diated electrostatics, being strongest most charged particles. The adsorption process efficient does not require any functionalization step for either latex. A major result observation cryogenic transmission electron micros-copy latexes coated entangled arrays CNCs, softer a notable deformation their structure into faceted polyhedra. By labeling hydrophobic carbocyanine dyes, deposition on woven fabrics studied situ quantified fluorescence microscopy. As highest wet dried states achieved latexes. This demonstrates CNCs can serve as models to adjust cotton, thus optimize manufac-turing processes development advanced textiles.