Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are a naturally abundant, renewable macromolecules that typically follow the behavior of rod-like polymers. Their outstanding combination of mechanical strength, potential for liquid crystalline self-assembly, high specific surface area, and tailorable surface chemistry make them of interest for numerous aerospace applications including high strength composites. For example, adding low levels of CNC to polymers can be used to tailor composite surface energy and increase mechanical strength. Similarly, adding low levels of polymers to CNC dispersions can be used to reduce the brittleness typically associated with thick films comprised of rigid colloidal materials. However, some of the most interesting applications are based on pure CNC films produced by exploiting the liquid crystalline self-assembly of sulfonated CNC. In a recent series of work, we have shown the individual and combined impacts of material and processing parameters on the optical properties of CNC films. These results highlight the potential for CNC films to be used in photonic filters, security applications, UV barrier protection, and reflective polarizers that reduce the energy consumption of displays through light recycling. In related work, we have fabricated functional microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) from CNC that can achieve the small feature sizes and mechanical properties associated with traditional silicon MEMS. A key advantage of CNC MEMS is that their production does not require the multimillion dollar infrastructure typically associated with silicon fabrication. Therefore, they can enable local agile production of both mechanical sensors and biomedical sensors in response to emerging needs and threats. This talk will provide key findings from recently published work and highlight CNCs’ potential in a range of applications.

Cellulose nanocrystals: A versatile macromolecule for aerospace applications

2019 Spring National Meeting

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