Dispersion of cellulose nanocrystals in aqueous media

为了制备稳定的、可加工的纤维素纳米晶(CNCs)，必须从根本上了解CNCs的表面化学、相互作用力和胶体稳定性之间的关系。我们将开发相互作用力的量化分析工具，宏观评估数控系统的稳定性，以及数控系统的化学改造。通过仔细分析计算机数控系统表面性质及其在水溶液中的相互作用之间的结构-性质关系，将确定控制计算机控制系统稳定性的关键因素。基于这些知识，我们将开发制造稳定的CNCS的协议。我们还将评估和阐明添加剂对CNC胶体稳定性的影响。将考察干燥和去除水合水的方式对纳米管在水中的分散性的影响。低聚物或聚合物的官能化对计算机控制系统胶体稳定性的作用将被继续研究。功能化的双重目的是将静电和空间位阻稳定引入到数控系统中，并将探索在当前制造工艺中执行此类修改的策略。功能化不仅增强了数控系统的稳定性，还可用于赋予数控系统新的特性和功能，这些特性和功能对于将其纳入产品配方至关重要。希望通过本文的研究，加深我们对数控机床在水溶液中行为的认识，促进数控机床在新的应用领域的应用和使用。

In order to produce stable and processable cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), fundamental understanding on the relationship between surface chemistry, interactions forces and colloidal stability of CNC is necessary. We will develop analytical tools for the quantification of interaction forces, macroscopic evaluation of the stability of CNC, and chemical modification of CNC. By careful analysis of the structural-property relationship between the surface properties of CNC and their interactions in aqueous solution, critical factors controlling the stability of CNC will be identified. Based on this knowledge, we will develop protocols for the manufacture of stable CNCs. We will also evaluate and elucidate the impact of additives on the colloidal stability of CNC. The impact of drying and modes of removal of hydrated water on the dispersability of CNC in water will be examined. The role of functionalisation of CNC with oligomers or polymers on the colloidal stability of CNC will be pursued. The dual purposes of functionalisation are to introduce electrostatic and steric stabilisation to the CNC, and strategies to perform such modification within the current manufacturing process would be explored. Functionalisation not only enhance stability to CNC, but it can also be used to impart new properties and functionalities to the CNC that may be critical for their incorporation in product formulations. It is hope that this research will advance our understanding on the behaviour of CNC in aqueous solution that will enhance the application and use of CNC in new applications.