Attempts to reduce petrol consumption highlight the renewable, biodegradable and non-toxic properties of cellulosic materials. At nanoscale, the cellulose nanofibrils combine these advantages with high surface specific, high aspect ratio, large number of OH-bonding, leading to impressive mechanical properties and wide possibility of functionalization. Nano-cellulosic aerogels are highly porous materials characterized by an extremely low solids content and considerably lightweight nature. The highly open microstructure with lots of connected pores lead to ultra-low density, high strength, and have good dimensional stability. These extremely open materials (~97 + % air) are promising materials for various applications such as bio based materials for thermal insulators, insulation materials for the aerospace and aviation industry, storing media for gases in fuel cells, filter materials for extremely fine particles, or drug delivery systems.<br/>The two most attractive properties of these nano-cellulosic aerogels are their insulation properties and their high mechanical properties. To ensure the lower pore-size repartition on the aerogel, and hence the better thermal properties, cellulose nanofibrils have been sprayed, cooled at -80°C and freeze-dried. Different quality of cellulose nanofibrils obtained with different mechanical disintegration energies have been prepared using mazuko grinder. Morphological and structural characterizations, Thermal conductivities and mechanical properties of aerogel have been studied. To understand and find solution for limiting the sensibility at humidity, the mechanical tests have been carried out at various humidity levels. A clear link betrween the aerogel properties with the nanocellulose defibrillation degree has been observed.

Influence of nanofibrillation degree on nanocellulosic aerogel properties

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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