Stabilization of metalic and non-metallic suspensions using Nanocrystalline Cellulose (CNC)

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In this proposal, Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCs) are proposed to be used as stabilizing agents for various suspensions including silica, iron and zirconium. Preliminary experiments and observations have shown that these could be extremely effective in stabilizing colloidal suspensions. This will depend on the type of suspension/dispersion to be stabilised, its concentration, particle size and distribution as well surface characteristics. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) which will be used in this project can be extracted from cellulose fibers using strong acid hydrolysis. The hydrolysis conditions affect the size and surface properties of cellulose nanocrystals. Using sulfuric acid for the hydrolysis results in CNC particles with anionic sulfur groups on the surface, leading to electrostatically stabilized CNC aqueous suspensions. The stability of these suspensions also depends on the ionic strength, pH, size and concentration. The morphological changes of these suspensions are well understood and they have been correlated successfully with rheological properties as well as pH, surface charge and ionic strength. Their interactions with metallic and non-metallic suspensions/dispersions will be studied in detail i.e. (i)stabilization of the suspensions and (ii) mechanisms (underlined physics) for stabilization.