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Characterizing and Fractionating Native Cellulose Nanofibers

Author(s)

Iulia A. Sacui, Jeffrey W. Gilman

Abstract

Cellulose nanofibers have good elastic modulus properties and can be used as nano-reinforcements in polymer composites. Native cellulose nanofibers from wood, Tunicate, and bacteria (Acetobacter xylium) were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM) to determine surface topography, aspect-ratio, and modulus. AFM imaging shows that cellulose nanofibers obtained through acid hydrolysis are short rigid rods, while nanofibers obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis and TEMPO-oxidation are longer, more flexible rods. In all of these cases, the nanofibers have a wide size distribution (length 100-1000 nm). We are currently developing a method for aspect-ratio fractionation. These aspect-ratio fractionated nanofibers can be added to a polymer and toughening capabilities measured.
Proceedings Title
244th ACS National Meeting, Division of Cellulose and Renewable Materials
Conference Dates
August 19-23, 2012
Conference Location
Philadelphia, PA

Citation

Sacui, I. and Gilman, J. (1970), Characterizing and Fractionating Native Cellulose Nanofibers, 244th ACS National Meeting, Division of Cellulose and Renewable Materials, Philadelphia, PA (Accessed April 23, 2024)
Created May 7, 2017, Updated February 19, 2017