There is expanding interest in cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), including within the fields of green chemistry and green materials where the intrinsic properties of this renewable resource may be advantageous. The uniqueness of CNC is attributed to its highly crystalline nature which leads to its structure and strength. However CNC is not readily dispersed in organic media. In this presentation a new synthetic method is explored to covalently attach a Nitroxide Mediated Polymerization (NMP) macroinitiator to the particle surface. The initiator will allow for polymers to be grafted from the CNC surface, allowing tailoring of CNC properties, including dispersibility. Functionalization is achieved through a two-step process involving Williamson Ether synthesis of an alkyl halide with surface alcohols followed by radical addition of the initiator to the newly modified CNC surface. Results indicate that reagent selection for the first stage reaction dictates the speed and success of the overall reaction scheme.

Surface customizing of crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) with a nitroxide mediated polymerization (NMP) macroinitiator

245th National Meeting (2013)

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