Dispersion of cellulose nanocrystals in aqueous media

为了生产稳定的和可加工的纤维素纳米晶体（CNC），对CNC的表面化学，相互作用力和胶体稳定性之间的关系的基本理解是必要的。我们将开发分析工具，用于相互作用力的量化，CNC稳定性的宏观评估以及CNC的化学改性。通过仔细分析CNC表面性质之间的结构-性质关系及其在水溶液中的相互作用，将确定控制CNC稳定性的关键因素。基于这些知识，我们将开发用于生产稳定的CNC的方案。 我们还将评估和阐明添加剂对CNC胶体稳定性的影响。将检查干燥和去除水合水的模式对CNC在水中的分散性的影响。 将追求的CNC与低聚物或聚合物的胶体稳定性的功能化的作用。功能化的双重目的是将静电和空间位阻稳定引入CNC，并将探索在当前制造工艺中进行此类修饰的策略。功能化不仅可以增强CNC的稳定性，还可以用于赋予CNC新的特性和功能，这些特性和功能对于将CNC掺入产品配方中至关重要。希望这项研究将促进我们对CNC在水溶液中的行为的理解，从而提高CNC在新应用中的应用和使用。

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.