Transforming Nanocellulose Performance through Interfacial Engineering

由于对更环保产品的科学驱动和社会需求，拟议的研究项目侧重于从可再生资源中开发新型材料。具体来说，它旨在通过界面工程改变纤维素纳米晶体（cnc）的性能，这将扩大来自森林工业的新兴加拿大材料的应用范围。通过与工业界的密切接触，我们将阐明颗粒化学和功能之间的联系，重点是传授对商业产品至关重要的新特性。这项研究是必不可少的，使纳米纤维素广泛应用于加拿大的战略工业，包括纸浆和造纸，食品，化妆品，制药，石油和天然气，以及制造业。******我的长期目标是通过开发新的科学技术，将cnc作为一个材料平台，这将为加拿大木浆开辟新的市场。我们将克服CNC发展中的主要挑战，包括兼容性/稳定性，统一制造，环境，健康和安全问题。在短期内，3名博士和12名本科生将在麦克马斯特的生物接口，布罗克豪斯和制造研究所使用最先进的设备进行3个相互关联的项目：******1。定制cnc的极端热稳定性和胶体稳定性。cnc在油气流体和复合材料中具有潜力，因为它们是“绿色的”，而且它们的尺寸、形状和结晶度都很适合流变学和机械控制。该项目的研究结果将破译稳定性机制，并允许工业CNC生产过程中的微小变化，以提高材料性能，从而将CNC带入能源/建筑行业。******2。开发自动粘附聚合物到cnc的设计规则。食品、药品和家用产品的液体配方可以通过添加比单独的表面活性剂或聚合物更好地稳定界面和控制粘度的cnc来改进。了解聚合物对CNC的吸附将导致CNC乳液、凝胶和泡沫的可定制性。******装配数控簇——一种先进流变控制的新材料。少量的各向异性颗粒提供了优越的流变控制；纳米颗粒在油墨、粘合剂和生物医学设备中的应用已接近商业化，然而，在一些市场中，由于长期暴露的安全性证据不足，不鼓励使用纳米颗粒。这项工作将通过将cnc交联成簇来控制颗粒组装，以扩大“非纳米”应用。******这个多样化的项目涵盖从化学到工程，可以弥合CNC生产商，研发和新技术的商业受体之间的差距。它为先进材料设计和表征方面的创新突破和世界级培训提供了许多机会。

Due to the scientific drive and social necessity for more environmentally friendly products, the proposed research program focuses on developing novel materials from renewable resources. Specifically, it aims to transform the performance of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) through interfacial engineering which will extend the range of applications for an emerging Canadian material from the forest industry. Through close contact with industry, we will elucidate the links between particle chemistry and functionality with an emphasis on imparting new properties which are crucial for commercial products. This research is essential to enable widespread use of nanocellulose in strategic Canadian industries, including pulp & paper, food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, oil & gas, and manufacturing.******My long term goal is to establish CNCs as a material platform through the development of new science & technology which will lead to new markets for Canadian wood pulp. We will overcome major challenges in CNC development including compatibility/stability, uniform manufacturing, and environmental, health and safety issues. In the short term, 3 PhD and 12 undergraduate students will carry out 3 interconnected projects employing state-of-the-art facilities in McMaster's Biointerfaces, Brockhouse and Manufacturing Research Institutes:******1. Tailoring CNCs for Extreme Thermal & Colloidal Stability. CNCs have potential in oil & gas fluids and composites because they are “green” and their size, shape, and crystallinity lend well to rheological and mechanical control. Findings from this project will decipher stability mechanisms and allow for small changes during industrial CNC production to improve material performance thus bringing CNCs to the energy/construction sector.******2. Developing Design Rules for Auto-adhering Polymers to CNCs. Liquid formulations for food, pharmaceutical and household products can be improved through the addition of CNCs which stabilize interfaces and control viscosity better than surfactants or polymers alone. Understanding polymer adsorption to CNCs will lead to tailorability of CNC emulsions, gels and foams.******3. Assembling CNC Clusters – a New Material for Advanced Rheological Control. Small quantities of anisotropic particles offer superior rheological control; CNCs in inks, adhesives, and biomedical devices are close to commercialization, however, in some markets the use of nanoparticles is discouraged due to insufficient evidence of safety with long-term exposure. This work will control particle assembly by crosslinking CNCs into clusters to broaden “non-nano” applications.******This diverse program spans from chemistry to engineering and can bridge gaps between CNC producers, R&D and commercial receptors of new technology. It provides numerous opportunities for innovative breakthroughs and world-class training in advanced material design & characterization.