Coassembly of nanoparticles with distinct shape–, size–, and composition–dependent properties is a promising approach for the preparation of composite nanostructured materials with new or enhanced properties. We focused on suspensions and films formed by cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and spherical latex nanoparticles with varying dimensions, charge and softness. In CNC–latex suspensions, phase separation into an isotropic latex–rich and a cholesteric CNC–rich phase took place; the latter contained a significant amount of latex NPs. Films prepared from these suspensions had a layered morphology, with alternating isotropic layers of latex nanoparticles and cholesteric CNC–rich regions. Coassembly of CNCs with soft reactive latex nanoparticles yielded films with enhanced mechanical properties and photonic performance. For composite CNC–latex films we explored the role of morphology - random, stratified, or cholesteric structure - on film strength and toughness. These results provide guidance for the preparation of biomimetic cholesteric films with targeted optical and mechanical properties for their use as sensors and polarizers, as well as coatings with enhanced mechanical properties.

Coassembly of cellulose nanocrystals and latex nanospheres in suspensions and in stratified films

256th National Meeting (2018)

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