Nanocellulose provides a new materials platform for the sustainable production of high-performance nano-enabled products in an array of applications. In this paper, potential applications for cellulose nanomaterials are identified as the first step toward estimating market volume. The overall study, presented in two parts, estimates market volume on the basis of estimated tonnage of cellulose nanomaterials rather than the dollar value of production or profits from production. In this paper, we first identified potential uses from literature, presentations, and patent reviews, and then categorized these under the broad headings of high-volume, low-volume, and emerging/novel applications. For each application, the rationale for using nanocellulose is explained. The companion paper, Part 2, explains the assumptions and calculation of application-specific market estimates. High- and low-volume consumption applications of cellulose nanomaterials were identified from published data as well as expert input. We categorized potential market sizes as high or low by considering applications where cellulose nanomaterials would replace existing materials and be used at a published or estimated rate for some fraction of an entire existing market. Novel applications for cellulose nanomaterials that are presently considered niche markets are also identified, but volumes were not estimated because of a lack of published supporting data. Annual U.S. market potential for identified applications of nanocellulose is estimated as 6.4 million metric tons, with a global market potential of 35 million metric tons. The greatest volume potential for use of cellulose nanomaterials is currently in paper and packaging applications. Other potentially high-volume uses are in the automotive, construction, personal care, and textile sectors.

Conversion of Units This paper presents a fundamental analysis of the Multiply By To obtain processing steps in the production of methanol from southern red oak (Quercus falcata Michx.) by two-stage 1 kilogram (kg) 2.205 pounds dilute sulfuric acid hydrolysis. Data for hemicellulose and cellulose hydrolysis are correlated using models. 1 tonne = 1,000 kg 1.102 tons (U.S.) This information is used to develop and evaluate a process design.

The development of metrology for nanoparticles is a significant challenge. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are one group of nanoparticles that have high potential economic value but present substantial challenges to the development of the measurement science. Even the largest trees owe their strength to this newly appreciated class of nanomaterials. Cellulose is the world's most abundant natural, renewable, biodegradable polymer. Cellulose occurs as whisker-like microfibrils that are biosynthesized and deposited in plant material in a continuous fashion. The nanocrystals are isolated by hydrolyzing away the amorphous segments leaving the acid resistant crystalline fragments. Therefore, the basic raw material for new nanomaterial products already abounds in nature and is available to be utilized in an array of future materials. However, commercialization requires the development of efficient manufacturing processes and nanometrology to monitor quality. This paper discusses some of the instrumentation, metrology and standards issues associated with the ramping up for production and use of CNCs.

Nanocellulose has enormous potential to provide an important materials platform in numerous product sectors. This study builds on previous work by the same authors in which likely high-volume, low-volume, and novel applications for cellulosic nanomaterials were identified. In particular, this study creates a transparent methodology and estimates the potential annual tonnage requirements for nanocellulose in the previously identified applications in the United States (U.S.). High, average, and low market penetration estimates are provided for each application. Published data sources of materials use in the various applications provide the basis for estimating nanocellulose market size. Annual U.S. market potential for high-volume applications of nanocellulose is estimated at 6 million metric tons, based on current markets and middle market penetration estimates. The largest uses for nanocellulose are projected to be in packaging (2.0 million metric tons), paper (1.5 million metric tons), and plastic film applications (0.7 million metric tons). Cement has a potential nanocellulose market size of over 4 million metric tons on a global basis, but the U.S. market share estimated for cement is 21,000 metric tons, assuming market penetration is initially limited to the ultra-high performance concrete market. Total annual consumption of nanocellulose for low-volume applications is less than 10% of the high-volume applications. Estimates for nanocellulose use in emerging novel applications were not made because these applications generally have yet to come to market. The study found that the majority of the near-term market potential for nanocellulose appears to be in its fibrillar versus crystalline form. Market size estimates exceed three prior estimates for nanocellulose applications, but the methodologies for those studies are not transparent.

Nanotechnology has applications across most economic sectors and allows the development of new enabling science with broad commercial potential. Cellulose and lignocellulose have great potential as nanomaterials because they are abundant, renewable, have a nanofibrillar structure, can be made multifunctional, and self-assemble into well-defined architectures. To exploit their potential, R&D investments must be made in the science and engineering that will fully determine the properties and characteristics of cellulose and lignocellulose at the nanoscale, develop the technologies to manipulate self-assembly and multifunctionallity, and develop these new technologies to the point where industry can produce advanced and cost-competitive cellulose and lignocellulose-based products. Because many of the findings on nanostructues and nanoprocesses are not yet fully measurable, replicable, or understood, it will take substantial R&D investments. To most effectively and efficiently move forward, increased cooperation must occur among the cellulose/lignocellulose R&D community, the federal departments and agencies having interests and ongoing programs in nanotechnology, and industry. Cooperation is critical to capturing synergies, enhancing accomplishments, and avoiding unwarranted duplication of facilities and efforts.Technology is the major driving factor for growth at every level of an economy. Currently, most major Governments around the world are investing heavily in Nanotechnology and many see it as fueling the next Industrial Revolution. At the 1 nanometer (nm) scale and below, quantum mechanics rules, and at dimensions above 100 nm classical continuum mechanics, physics, and chemistry dictate properties of matter. Between 1 and 100 nm, a hybrid exists, and interesting things can happen. Mechanical, optical, electrical, magnetic, and a variety of other properties can behave quite differently, providing the opportunity to develop materials with higher strength, greater opacity, and enhanced electrical and magnetic performances among many others. Nanotechnology seeks to develop materials and structures that exhibit novel and significantly improved physical, chemical, and tribological properties and functions due to their nanoscale size; while Nanoscience seeks to understand these new properties. As defined, Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials measuring 100 nm or less in at least one dimension. Recent developments in analytical techniques such as Atomic Force Microscopy have helped us understand the structures of materials in much greater detail. In addition to size, these nanomaterials must display unique and novel properties and characteristics that are different than the bulk material properties. Nanotechnology will fundamentally change the way materials and devices are produced. The ability to liberate and obtain nanoscale building blocks with precisely controlled size and composition and assemble them into larger structures with unique properties and functions will revolutionize segments of the m...