<br/>Cellulose is considered the most abundant macromolecules on the planet, and it is found as the structural component of trees and plants in a natural composite. It is well established that controlled acid hydrolysis results in colloidal solutions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). When compared to other traditional nano-fillers such as metallic nanoparticles or carbon nanotubes, CNCs have several distinct advantages such as they are non-toxic, potentially low cost, biodegradable and are decorated with reactive hydroxy groups.<br/><br/>A green-one step methodology encompassing both acid hydrolysis and modification has recently been reported. In this paper we describe the use of different bio-based acids such as citric, malonic, malic, levulinic and acrylic acids in the presence of HCl to simultaneously break down ramie cellulose to CNC’s decorated with functionalities such as carboxylic acid, acryl and keto moieties. The modified CNs were characterized by FTIR, NMR, contact angle, SEM, and XRD.

Expanding the one step acid hydrolysis/Fischer esterification of cellulose nanocrystals

249th National Meeting (2015)

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