Functionalization of cellulose nanocrystals using catechol primers and hydrophobes for extended applications in non-polar media

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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. CNCs have impressive physical and mechanical properties and are non-toxic and biodegradable. CNCs have potential applications 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 non-polar materials. In order to prevent CNCs from aggregating and to improve their dispersion in organic solvents and hydrophobic polymers, fibres and foams, hydrophobic surface functionalization is required. This project will produce hydrophobic CNCs through a modified version of a straightforward water-based functionalization route recently developed in our group. Currently, the method uses tannic acid (a plant polyphenol with catechol groups as the primer) and decylamine (a synthetic alkylamine hydrophobe). The improved and optimized method will be "greener" and scalable and will lead to CNCs that are more hydrophobic with less discoloration after functionalization. New catechol-containing primers and naturally-sourced hydrophobes will be investigated.BC Research has been instrumental in the scale-up of CNC production across Canada and continues to be active in this area. They, and their customers, need a hydrophobic CNC to produce CNC-enhanced commercial products. As such, successful completion of this project will have significant economic benefits for BC Research by opening up new product and market opportunities. The impact of carrying out this work will be economically significant for Canada's Forestry and Cleantech sectors and will develop new materials that will lead to job creation and new manufacturing initiatives in Canada.