The fine tuning of the surface properties of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is a prerequisite to extend the range of applications of these nanoparticles. In this context, thermoresponsive polymer chains (Jeffamine� polyetheramines) were successfully grafted on the surface of cotton CNCs, imparting new interesting properties like thermoreversible aggregation and easy redispersion in aqueous and organic media. The individual polymer-decorated CNCs and their assemblies in suspension were characterized by small angle neutron scattering (SANS) as a function of the temperature and for different grafted polymers. The polymer shell and the nanocrystal core were separately observed by varying the isotopic composition (contrast matching technique), thus providing a full description of the system. The effect of polymer grafting on the ability of CNCs to form liquid crystalline chiral nematic phases was also studied by plotting the phase diagrams and measuring the helical pitch.

SANS characterization and self-assembly of thermoresponsive polymer-grafted cellulose nanocrystals

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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