The interactions between common food-grade polymers and nanocellulose are important for the design of formulated products and hybrid materials such as emulsions, gels, foams and films. In this work, the interactions between 11 cellulose ether types (two commercial METHOCEL<sup>TM</sup> series) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were investigated by comparing polymer adsorption to model CNC films and to CNCs in aqueous suspension. It was found that methylcellulose and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose irreversibly adsorbed to CNCs in 2D and 3D, and higher hydroxypropyl content and lower methoxy content led to more adsorption. Isothermal titration calorimetry and quartz crystal microbalance (at varying temperature) indicated that adsorption was entropically driven, by the release of water molecules from the CNC surface and the cellulose ethers. Partial least squares multivariate statistical analysis suggested that the degree of substitution was the primary factor governing cellulose ether adsorption in 2D, whereas molecular weight and degree of substitution were significant factors in 3D adsorption. The use of CNCs and cellulose ethers as co-stabilizers was found to impart “extreme stability” to Pickering emulsions, e.g. emulsions that remain stable after multiple freeze-thaw and heat-cool cycles, emulsions that stay intact through the majority of the (simulated) digestive tract, and emulsions that can be completely dried to remove the continuous water phase for encapsulation applications. Similarly, CNC–cellulose ether combinations were used to stabilize microsuspension polymerization and allowed for latex morphology and surface properties to be tailored. The ability to make stable emulsions and latexes in a controlled manner using non-toxic nanoparticles is relevant for envisioned products across a range of industrial sectors including food, cosmetics, adhesives, paints/coatings, oil and gas, and pharmaceuticals.

Entropy-driven adsorption of cellulose ethers to cellulose nanocrystals: Comparing 2D vs. 3D adsorption trends and Pickering emulsion performance

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.