Xyloglucan (XG) is a large group of hemicelluloses that occurs in the primary plant cell wall, and believed to act as a cementing material that contributes to the cross-linking and mechanical properties of the cellulose framework in plant cell walls. The strong affinity of XG to cellulose has attracted researchers in order to elaborate cellulose-based materials. In previous studies, it has been shown that XG adopt different conformations when adsorbed on cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) depending on the concentration ratios: at low ratio, almost all XG chains were bound as trains to the CNC surface while at high ratio, XG form more loops and tails.<br/>The target of our work was to take advantage of the XG/Cellulose interactions to elaborate new aerogels that can mimic the porous and anisotropic morphology of wood tissue. Utilizing freeze-casting technique, anisotropic aerogels based on CNCs and XG complexes were prepared with two XG/CNC concentration ratios. Mechanical properties were studied and positive effects were noted from the introduction of the XG to CNC aerogels. Morphology of the aerogels and orientations of CNCs regarding the amount of XG were also investigated by scanning electron microscopy and wide angle X-ray scattering respectively. These results can contribute to a better understanding of the role of the XG in the cellulose network and also provide fruitful information for the development of new bio-based materials.<br/>

Xyloglucan and cellulose nanocrystals biomimetic aerogels produced by freeze-casting

2019 Spring National Meeting

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