Properties of nanocrystalline cellulose obtained from celluloses of annual plants

Abstract

Nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) was obtained by sulfuric acid hydrolysis from celluloses of annual plants: miscanthus, flax straw, hemp, Jerusalem artichoke, jute and flax. Properties of CNC suspensions and films were studied using transmission electron microscopy, polarizing optical microscopy, IR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis. Nanoscale CNC particles have a pronounced anisotropic rod-like shape. High colloidal stability of CNC aqueous suspensions is determined by a high negative surface charge of CNC particles. CNC films exhibit birefringence and display "fingerprints" textures, which are characteristic of chiral nematic structures.