Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Ken-ichi Niihara, Toru Noguchi, Takahiko Makise, Wataru Kashima, Morinobu Endo, Akira Isogai
Summary: An aqueous dispersion of TEMPO-CNFs was used to prepare TEMPO-CNF/MA-PP/PP composite sheets, which showed increased yield stress and storage modulus with increasing TEMPO-CNF content but decreased elongation at break. The presence of TEMPO-CNFs restricted the flow behavior of the MA-PP/PP components but did not affect the crystallinities and melting behavior of the composite sheets. Aggregation behavior of TEMPO-CNFs in the PP matrix may have resulted in brittle tensile properties of the composite sheets.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yaxin Duan, Hongbin Yang, Kun Liu, Ting Xu, Jianing Chen, Hongxiang Xie, Haishun Du, Lin Dai, Chuanling Si
Summary: An interpenetrating composite of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) with excellent optical and mechanical properties was successfully fabricated using a novel approach. This approach overcomes the challenges of integrating hydrophilic CNF with hydrophobic polymers. The obtained CNF/PMMA composite can find applications in general-purpose materials with its high tensile strength and light transmittance.
ADVANCED COMPOSITES AND HYBRID MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kendra Fein, Douglas W. Bousfield, William M. Gramlich
Summary: Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are studied for their barrier properties in packaging applications, with films formed using different methods showing varied characteristics. Analysis of the internal structure reveals a layered arrangement with elongated voids, contributing to excellent grease barrier properties.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Yoojin Kim, Young-Teck Kim, Xiyu Wang, Byungjin Min, Su-il Park
Summary: A new system of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TOCNs)/graphene oxide (GO) composite was successfully designed by utilizing TEMPO-mediated oxidation. The dispersion of GO into the matrix of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) was improved by a unique process combining high-intensity homogenization and ultrasonication. The resulting bio-nanocomposite exhibited enhanced thermal stability, mechanical properties, and barrier properties.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sabina Yeasmin, Jeong Hyun Yeum, Byung Chul Ji, Jin Hyun Choi, Seong Baek Yang
Summary: Hybrid nanobiocomposite films were prepared by incorporating TOCNs and CNTs into a PULL aqueous solution, resulting in enhanced material properties such as increased crystallinity, higher tensile strength, and improved water barrier properties. The films showed almost complete biodegradability within 64 days and exhibited excellent electrical conductivity, suggesting a promising approach for transforming natural polymers into advanced materials for biosensing and electronics applications.
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Liguo Qin, Yuning Zhang, Yanmiao Fan, Lengwan Li
Summary: A strategy of blending TEMPO oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCN) and chitosan was developed to fabricate nanocomposite films with improved mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The TOCN/chitosan nanocomposite films exhibited excellent optical transmittance (>85%) and extremely high tensile strength (235 MPa). The good compatibility of TOCN and chitosan chains, good dispersion of chitosan aggregates, and the presence of stiff TOCN crystal domains were the main reasons for the improved mechanical strength of the composite films. These nanocomposite films showed good biocompatible properties and stability in PBS buffer for more than 6 months, making them suitable for medical applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Azelia Wulan Cindradewi, Rajkumar Bandi, Chan-Woo Park, Ji-Soo Park, Eun-Ah Lee, Jeong-Ki Kim, Gu-Joong Kwon, Song-Yi Han, Seung-Hwan Lee
Summary: In this study, cellulose acetate (CA)/cellulose nanofibril (CNF) film was prepared using eco-friendly plasticizers and varying CNF ratio. The dispersion of CNF in NMP was found to be better, leading to significant improvements in tensile strength and elastic modulus. The addition of CNF up to 5 phr loading enhanced the mechanical properties of the film composites.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Langman Luo, Zheng Fang, Weifeng Zhang, Shao Geng, Bing Chen, Hongfang Chen, Limei Fu, Yangbing Wen
Summary: In this study, TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibril (TOCNF) hydrogel was modified with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) to improve its resistance at high temperatures. The degree of substitution of DMC-TOCNFs was found to affect their gelation characteristics and viscosity, with higher degrees of substitution leading to increased gelation and viscosity. The methylated-TOCNF hydrogels showed great potential for applications at high temperatures.
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Teboho Clement Mokhena, Emmanuel Rotimi Sadiku, Mokgaotsa Jonas Mochane, Suprakas Sinha Ray, Maya Jacob John, Asanda Mtibe
Summary: This article discusses the unique advantages of cellulose nanofibril (CNF) paper in terms of its mechanical properties, as well as the preparation of CNF paper reinforced with nanoparticle composites. It highlights the strong correlation between the intrafibrillar network structure and the mechanical properties of CNF papers, indicating that the performance of CNF materials can be tailored by controlling the network structure.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Endrina S. Forti, Daniela B. Jimenez, Gregory T. Schueneman, Robert J. Moon, Jeffrey P. Youngblood
Summary: Testing showed that adding stronger layers (TOCNFs + PVA) and increasing adhesion (APTES) in TOCNF laminates can increase flexural strength and bending modulus, while reducing fracture energy and generating different fracture modes. Additionally, using a more ductile epoxy can increase work of failure, but also lead to a higher risk of delamination.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Arianna Rossetti, Alessandro Paciaroni, Barbara Rossi, Cettina Bottari, Lucia Comez, Silvia Corezzi, Lucio Melone, Laszlo Almasy, Carlo Punta, Andrea Fiorati
Summary: Hydrogels made from renewable biopolymers and low-cost row materials have gained attention in biomedical applications. In this study, the sol-gel transition of TEMPO-oxidized nano-sized cellulose fibrils (TOCNFs) in the presence of polyvalent cations (Mg2+ and Ca2+) was investigated using multiple techniques. The results showed that ion concentration induced anisotropic swelling and increased flexibility in the nanofibrils, and the flexibility was also affected by the concentration of TOCNFs and the pH value. UV Resonant Raman spectroscopy revealed the structural organization and hydrogen-bonding properties of water in TOCNF dispersions and gels.
Article
Polymer Science
Cintil Jose, Chin Han Chan, Tan Winie, Blessy Joseph, Abhimanyu Tharayil, Hanna J. Maria, Tatiana Volova, Francesco Paolo La Mantia, Didier Rouxel, Marco Morreale, David Laroze, Lovely Mathew, Sabu Thomas
Summary: Research on cellulose fiber-reinforced nanocomposites has increased significantly in recent years due to wide application range and low production cost. However, the incompatibility between cellulose and most thermoplastics poses challenges in composite fabrication. This study explores plasma-modified polyethylene reinforced with cellulose nanofibers and investigates the impact of cellulose nanofillers on tuning the physiochemical properties of the nanocomposite. The increase in mechanical properties is attributed to the uniform dispersion of fillers in the polyethylene, and good filler-matrix interactions facilitate stress transfer.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhengbang Yang, Ying Wang, Yaru Hu, Yuntang Zhuang, Xingxiang Ji, Guihua Yang, Ming He
Summary: Facile structural engineering strategies using drying methods (vacuum drying, freeze drying, and spin drying) were proposed to fabricate high-performance Ti3C2Tx/sulfated cellulose nanofibril (SCNF) self-supporting film supercapacitor electrodes. The freeze-dried Ti3C2Tx/SCNF composite film exhibited a looser interlayer structure with more space, leading to higher specific capacitance and better cycle performance compared to other composite films. Additionally, the freeze-dried composite film showed increased tensile strength. This work provides a simple strategy for controlling the interlayer structure of Ti3C2Tx/SCNF composite films and fabricating well-designed flexible and free-standing supercapacitor electrodes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Shin Young Park, Sooim Goo, Heenae Shin, Jinseung Kim, Hye Jung Youn
Summary: Porous cellulose nanofibril foam can be prepared by stabilizing wet foam with a surfactant and drying it in an oven. The properties of the wet and dry foam are affected by the consistency of carboxymethylated CNF and the amount of surfactant used. Stable wet foams result in dry foam with spherical pores and low levels of shrinkage, while unstable wet foams lead to foam with severe shrinkage and large cavities. The pore structure and mechanical strength of the dry foam are determined by the shape of bubbles in the wet foam and the degree of shrinkage during drying.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weidong Li, Yu Xue, Ming He, Jiaqiang Yan, Lucian A. Lucia, Jiachuan Chen, Jinghua Yu, Guihua Yang
Summary: The use of a deep eutectic solvent enabled the sustainable preparation of cellulose nanofibrils with simultaneous swelling and sulfation, leading to the production of CNF with diameters ranging from 10 nm to 25 nm after further nanofibrillation. DES pretreatment facilitated cellulose nano-fibrillation, reduced energy consumption, and resulted in PVA and CNF films with good UV resistance and mechanical properties. This efficient method offers a more sustainable strategy for cellulose swelling, functionalization, and nano-fibrillation, expanding its application to UV-blocking materials and related fields.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Mengchen Zhao, Yuko Ono, Yuichi Noguchi, Shuji Fujisawa, Tsuguyuki Saito
Summary: This study investigated the impact of phosphorylation treatment on different wood cellulosic materials on the properties of CNF. It was found that holocelluloses contained more phosphate groups than celluloses, and the residual neutral sugars from hemicelluloses differed significantly depending on the wood species. The disintegration into CNFs was influenced by the amount and structure of phosphate groups, fiber morphology, and hemicellulose content of the raw material.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Takaaki Kasuga, Tsuguyuki Saito, Hirotaka Koga, Masaya Nogi
Summary: This study reports a simple and flexible strategy for constructing sophisticated hierarchical structures using electrophoretic and electrochemical deposition. By adjusting the applied voltage, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are oriented and deposited on an anode, forming anisotropic mechanical properties and complex hierarchical structures. This technique is expected to be applicable to various materials and contribute to fields such as biomimicry, functional nanomaterials, and sustainable and functional moldings.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guantong Wang, Masaki Kudo, Kazuho Daicho, Sivasankaran Harish, Bin Xu, Cheng Shao, Yaerim Lee, Yuxuan Liao, Naoto Matsushima, Takashi Kodama, Fredrik Lundell, L. Daniel Soederberg, Tsuguyuki Saito, Junichiro Shiomi
Summary: This study demonstrates that nanocellulose materials can exhibit high thermal conductivity when their nanofibrils are highly aligned and bonded. The crystallinity of the filaments significantly influences their thermal conductivity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kazuho Daicho, Shuji Fujisawa, Tsuguyuki Saito
Summary: We report the correlation between true density and crystallinity of regenerated and mercerized celluloses. Seven samples were prepared and their true density measured. We found that true density is directly proportional to crystallinity, regardless of the preparation process.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuji Fujisawa, Yuichi Takasaki, Tsuguyuki Saito
Summary: We investigated the structure of polymer-grafted nanocellulose in the colloidal dispersion system through small-angle X-ray scattering measurement and all-atom molecular dynamics simulation. Our results showed the formation of a polymer brush layer on the nanocellulose surface in solvents, explaining its excellent colloidal stability. We also found that the presence of the polymer brush layer suppressed the twisting of the nanocellulose core.
Article
Polymer Science
Shuji Fujisawa, Reina Tanaka, Yumi Hayashi, Yasushi Yabuhara, Makoto Kume, Tsuguyuki Saito
Summary: Surface engineering is essential for designing nano/microparticles with desired properties for various applications. Nanocelluloses are suitable for particle surfaces due to their biocompatibilities and chemical stabilities. This study investigated the emulsion stabilization conditions suitable for microparticle syntheses by changing the lengths of nanocelluloses. The results will contribute to the understanding of emulsion stabilization mechanisms and the development of nanocellulose-based materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shun Ishioka, Noriyuki Isobe, Takayuki Hirano, Nobuhiro Matoba, Shuji Fujisawa, Tsuguyuki Saito
Summary: We report transparent and mechanically strong plate materials made solely from wood-derived cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) with carboxy functionality. These CNF plates have comparable strength to aluminum alloys and glass fiber reinforced plastics, while being even lighter. They also exhibit excellent flame self-extinguishing properties and anisotropic thermal conduction between the in-plane and out-of-plane directions. We demonstrated a strategy to overcome the high water absorption issue of CNF materials through counterion design of carboxy groups.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mengchen Zhao, Shuji Fujisawa, Tsuguyuki Saito
Summary: We report the basic sheet properties of divalent phosphorylated cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) with different phosphorus contents and counterion types. The counterion exchange from sodium ions to calcium or aluminum ions greatly enhances all examined sheet properties of CNF sheets. The phosphorus content only has significant influences on conditioned tensile and fire-retardant properties. Compared to CNF sheets with monovalent carboxy groups, CNF sheets with divalent phosphate groups are superior in terms of wet tensile properties and fire-retardant properties.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tomohito Yagita, Tomoki Ito, Takayuki Hirano, Takayuki Toyomasu, Sai Hasegawa, Tsuguyuki Saito, Shuji Fujisawa
Summary: Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are being studied for their potential as emulsifiers due to their high emulsifying capacity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. This study aims to understand the mechanism of emulsification by evaluating the desorption energy of CNFs from the oil surface in o/w emulsion for different CNF/oil combinations. The results show that the emulsion stability improved with oils having high electron-donor components, which increase the desorption energy.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuji Fujisawa, Kazuho Daicho, Ayhan Yurtsever, Takeshi Fukuma, Tsuguyuki Saito
Summary: All-atom molecular dynamics simulations and atomic force microscopy were used to study the structural dynamics of single nanocellulose during drying. It was discovered that the twist morphology of nanocellulose becomes localized along the fibril axis in the final stage of drying. Conformational changes at C6 hydroxymethyl groups and glycoside bond were also observed, indicating an increase in crystallinity during the drying process. These insights provide valuable information for understanding the nanocellulose structures in material processing and designing materials with advanced functionalities.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuji Fujisawa, Kazuho Daicho, Ayhan Yurtsever, Takeshi Fukuma, Tsuguyuki Saito
Summary: Nanocellulose is a sustainable building block in materials science. Polymer grafting can modify its surface and adjust its material properties. However, the structure of a single polymer-grafted nanocellulose is not well understood. This study uses molecular dynamics simulation and atomic force microscopy to investigate the morphology of polymer-grafted CNFs at different interfaces. The results provide insights into the molecular structure and can contribute to the development of biomass-based nanomaterials.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Yoshinori Doi, Kazuho Daicho, Noriyuki Isobe, Reina Tanaka, Satoshi Kimura, Shuji Fujisawa, Tsuguyuki Saito
Summary: The crystallinity of cellulose decreases when cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are dispersed in water, but it recovers when they become densely assembled through dehydration. The mechanism of CNF fusion, which leads to the enlargement of crystallite widths, is not well understood.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shun Ishioka, Noriyuki Isobe, Takayuki Hirano, Nobuhiro Matoba, Shuji Fujisawa, Tsuguyuki Saito
Summary: We report the development of transparent and mechanically strong plate materials made from wood-derived cellulose nanofibers. These plates have high strength and are lightweight compared to other structural materials. They also have excellent flame self-extinguishing properties and anisotropic thermal conduction.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tomoki Ito, Kazuho Daicho, Shuji Fujisawa, Tsuguyuki Saito, Kayoko Kobayashi
Summary: Atomic-scale dent structures were found on the surfaces of cellulose nanofibers, constituting a significant portion of the total length and leading to kinking and fragmentation of the nanofibers.
NANOSCALE HORIZONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Noriyuki Isobe, Chong Chen, Kazuho Daicho, Tsuguyuki Saito, Dass Bissessur, Ken Takai, Satoshi Okada
Summary: Organisms use various forms and orientations of chitin nanofibres to build structures with a wide range of functions. Lophotrochozoan animals have the ability to evolve unique hard parts quickly and flexibly. Recent research has found evidence of chitin in the dermal sclerites of the scaly-foot snail, expanding our understanding of the functions of chitinous hard parts in animals.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2022)
