This study demonstrates regioselective oxidation of cellulose nanowhiskers using 2.80–10.02 mmols of sodium periodate per 5 g of whiskers followed by grafting with methyl and butyl amines through a Schiff base reaction to obtain their amine derivatives in 80–90 % yield. We found a corresponding increase in carbonyl content (0.06–0.14 mmols/g) of the dialdehyde cellulose nanowhiskers with the in...

Lignocellulosic fibers have become the focus of intense interest in recent years. They have attracted the attention of scientists and technologies worldwide because of their tremendous advantages and now it is possible to isolate cellulose nanofibrils and nanowhiskers from various lignocellulosic wastes. Studies in this area have shown that both cellulose nanofibrils and nanowhiskers could be u...

Composite microfibers from polystyrene and cellulose nanowhiskers were produced by electrospinning. The morphology of the microfibers was examined by using scanning and transmission electron microscopies. Surface porosity, unique ribbon-shapes, and the presence of twists along the fiber axis were observed in the composite microfibers. Thermomechanical properties of processed nanocomposites were...

This investigation reports the first application of admicellar polymerization to cellulose nanofibers in the form of bacterial cellulose, microfibrillated cellulose, and cellulose nanowhiskers using styrene and ethyl acrylate. The success of this physical sleeving was assessed by SEM, FTIR, and contact angle measurements, providing an original and simple approach to the modification of cellulos...

Ultrathin films containing a high fraction of cellulose nanowhiskers embedded in an acrylic-based polymer matrix were successfully prepared by a shear-convective assembly method. Their morphological, chemical and physical properties were examined by AFM Peak Force Tapping, Ellipsometry, contact angle and X-ray photoelectronic spectroscopy (XPS). Smooth, stable, robust and hydrophobic ultrathin ...

Nowadays, the world needs solutions to manage ever-growing plastic waste problem. Plastics cannot decay easily in natural environment for example, PET took about 23 48 years naturally environment. Therefore, it is urgently needed find an alternative these types of plastics, namely degradable plastics. One type plastic, called starch-based bioplastic can be made using starchy materials from Brea...

This study demonstrates the preparation of a renewable and biocompatible hydrogel with superior mechanical properties consisting of a gelatin matrix cross-linked with oxidized cellulose nanowhiskers. We found an increased degree of chemical cross-linking (0.14-17%) between gelatin and nanowhiskers with the increased amount of aldehyde contents (0.062-0.230mmolg(-1)). (1)H nuclear magnetic reson...

A sterically stabilized aqueous suspension of "charge-free" cellulose nanowhiskers was prepared by hydrochloric acid hydrolysis of cotton powders and subsequent surface grafting of monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG). The preparation scheme included carboxylation of the terminal hydroxyl groups in mPEG via oxidation with silica gel particles carrying 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-pyperidinyloxyl (...

Cellulose nanowhiskers as one kind of renewable and biocompatible nanomaterials evoke much interest because its versatility in various applications. Herein, the sisal cellulose with ultrathin diameter 5–10 nm, high crystallinity 74% C6 carboxylate groups converted from primary hydroxyls were prepared via a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (TEMPO)/NaBr/NaClO system selective oxidizat...