Functional Hybrid Nanostructures from Renewable Sources

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Many product formulations, such as in food, personal care, cosmetics, and coatings utilize polymers, colloids and additives to improve their characteristics and performance. Currently, many of these raw materials are derived from synthetic carbon sources (e.g. crude oil), and hence are not environmentally friendly. The use of renewable resources derived from the forestry sector, such as Nano Crystalline Cellulose (NCC) in materials design and development will contribute to sustainable development solutions. NCC possesses a diameter (D) of 5-20 nm, and length (L) of 200-500 nm, and because of its nanosize and high aspect ratio (L/D), it represents an important class of anisotropic nanostructure that possesses interesting physical properties. The organization of anisotropic NCC-surfactant complexes is not well understood. Thus, the proposed research program will focus on elucidating the mechanisms of interaction between NCC and amphiphilic molecules (e.g. surfactants or drugs), and the impact these interactions have on the microstructure and surface properties of NCC complexes. We seek to examine and quantify the driving force(s) (e.g. hydrophobic, electrostatic, hydrogen bond etc) responsible for the complex formation and colloidal stability of larger aggregates. The overall objective is to acquire the scientific knowledge to describe the behaviour of anisotropic nanoparticles in the presence of amphiphilic compounds. The knowledge gained will allow us to optimise the chemical modification of NCC in order to enhance colloidal stability and physical properties. The utilization of NCC will create new jobs by rejuvenating Canada's forestry sector. It will reduce the negative environmental impact of greenhouse gases (e.g. carbon dioxide since NCCs are excellent carbon sinks), and open up a new export market of high value-added nanomaterials that will have significant economical benefits for Canada.