It is known that the time dependence of the zeta potential gives information on the swelling behavior of 'dry' polymer particles immersing in water. Here we present the swelling dynamics of individual wood cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) following the solvent substitution into various organic solvents and drying, by employing the time dependence of the zeta potential (?) and the surface chemical calculation. This swelling behavior is characterized by expansion of hemicelluloses, the amorphous polysaccharides located on the CNF surface, with a different degree of aggregation during drying. Swellability of hemicelluloses exponentially increased with the decrease in dielectric constant of solvent during drying. The analysis method combining zeta potential time dependence and a surface chemical approach proved useful for specifically evaluating the swelling dynamics of polymers on a bulk surface.    Schematic representation of CNF swelling model.

Zeta potential time dependence reveals the swelling dynamics of wood cellulose nanofibrils

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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