The physicochemical effect of sugar alcohol plasticisers on oxidised nanocellulose gels and extruded filaments

Abstract Oxidised nanocelluloses have previously shown promise for the production of extruded filaments with high tensile strength properties. However, they also exhibit poor wet due to swelling upon immersion in water. This has resulted use chemical cross-linkers, or co-extrusion multivalent cations, cationic polymers, inhibit this. Here, we report on effect incorporating sugar alcohols (glycerol, sorbitol and maltitol) an oxidised nanocellulose gel before extrusion. Whilst their presence weakens initial gel, enable continuous spinning that are stable aqueous media without need post extrusion processing. We conclude relative hydrophilicity alcohol its ability protonate surface carboxyl groups drying key parameters regarding physicochemical effects observed.