Polyelectrolyte adsorption to cellulose is well understood, however adsorption of non-ionic polymers is less clear. Often hydrogen bonding is cited as a governing factor, yet recent work suggests that it does not play a significant role, and in fact non-ionic polymer adsorption is largely entropically driven. In this work we provide further insight into polymer adsorption by using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a model non-ionic polymer and monitor adsorption to cellulose nanocrystals via quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation, dynamic light scattering and isothermal titration calorimetry. We compare adsorption phenomena to well-known hydrogen bonding interactions between PEG and fumed silica and additionally draw upon previous papermaking research to better understand the mechanisms involved. Unlike the strong acid-base interactions, which drive adsorption to silica surfaces, PEG exhibits limited or no interaction with cellulose nanocrystals either as thin films or dispersed particles. Our findings along with current literature suggest that hydrogen bonding does not occur between cellulose nanocrystals and PEG despite in aqueous media reports to the contrary. We emphasize that understanding these interactions is essential for the development of cellulose nanocrystals and cellulose-based materials as many applications contain a complex mixture of polymers and surfactants.

Hydrogen bonding and polymer adsorption: A look at polyethylene glycol with cellulose and silica colloids

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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