Cellulose as a nanostructured polymer: A short review

Abstract

Cellulose has a complex, multi-level supermolecular architecture. This natural polymer is built from superfine fibrils having diameters in the nano scale, and each such nanofibril contains ordered nanocrystallites and low-ordered nano-domains. In this review, the nano-structure of cellulose and its influence on various properties of the polymer is discussed. In particular, the ability of nano-scale crystallites to undergo lateral co-crystallization and aggregation, as well as to undergo phase transformation through dissolution, alkalization, and chemical modification of cellulose has been the subject of investigation. The recent investigations pave the way for development of highly reactive cellulosic materials. Methods for preparation nanofibrillated cellulose and free nano-particles are described. Some application areas of the nanostruc-tured and nano-cellulose are discussed.

Cellulose and Its Nano-Derivatives as a Water-Repellent and Fire-Resistant Surface: A Review

“…However, native forms of cellulosic derivatives, owing to their high water absorbability, require modification through coating or an impregnation process, surface treatments, plasticizing, etc. for water-resistant applications [ 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 11 , 12 , 17 , 18 , 19 ].…”

“…The abovementioned classification is mainly derived from their preparation procedure, function, dimensions, configuration, and cellulose origin [ 4 , 6 , 7 , 14 , 15 ].…”

“…They also have disadvantages such as high energy consumption during production, low drainage for papermaking, and poor compatibility with hydrophobic polymers, which arises from the hydrophilic nature of CNFs [ 14 , 15 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ]. Due to the use of various modifications such as enzymatic pretreatment, acidic hydrolysis, carboxymethylation, and TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical) oxidation, the energy expenditures have been significantly reduced [ 1 , 4 , 7 , 8 , 15 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ].…”

“…It is derived from lignocellulosic biomass and is the main origin of organic compounds in nature [ 3 ]. This linear homopolymer which is composed of β-D glucopyranose (1–4 linkage) units with three free hydroxyl groups (C 2 , C 3 , C 6 ), has great potential to be applied in various industries [ 4 , 5 ]. These -OH groups, as active agents and appropriate sites for chemical modifications, can be substituted with other groups such as amines, carboxyls, aldehydes, and phosphorus, to give cellulose outstanding properties.…”

“…Many studies have elaborated on different cellulose sources and their various properties. There is a lengthy history of its use in both native and modified forms to achieve desired and particular properties [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. For example, starch, chitosan, and particularly cellulose as bio-based materials are often used in flame-retardant products [ 3 ].…”