Hydrophobic surface functionalization of cellulose nanocrystals for composites and non-aqueous formulation products

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Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are sustainable nanoparticles which can be economically extracted from the wood fibres of Canada's forests - an abundant and renewable resource. Cellulose nanocrystals have impressive physical and mechanical properties and are non-toxic and biodegradable making them the first safe nanomaterial in Canada according to Environment Canada's Domestic Substance List. CNCs have potential application in a broad range of products, including paints, packaging, food, cosmetics and composites but they are limited by the fact that CNCs are hydrophilic and incompatible with most hydrophobic materials. In order to prevent CNCs from aggregating and to improve their dispersion in organic solvents and non-polar polymers, fibres and foams, hydrophobic surface functionalization is required.