As for any nanoparticle, the main challenge for nanocellulose is related to its homogeneous dispersion within a polymeric matrix. Cellulose nanoparticles are obtained as aqueous suspensions and most investigations focused on water-soluble or latex-form polymers. The possibility of dispersing these nanoparticles in non-aqueous media can be obtained using surfactants or chemical grafting and it opens other possibilities for nanocomposites processing. Nanocellulose possesses a reactive surface covered with hydroxyl groups, providing the possibility to extensive chemical modification. Small molecules or long chains can be grafted. News strategies are currently investigated to avoid this chemical grafting step and melt-process nanocomposites with industrial processing methods such as extrusion or injection-molding.

Processing of nanocellulose based nanocomposites

245th National Meeting (2013)

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