Green Materials Knowledge

About Green Materials

What are cellulose nanocrystals?

Cellulose nanocrystals (also called nanocrystalline cellulose) are nanoscale (10-9 m) particles that are derived from cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. They are one of a few different types of nanocellulose.

Cellulose nanocrystals are rod-shaped particles with diameters of 2-5 nanometers and lengths of around 100 nanometers that have high surface area, high aspect ratio, and excellent mechanical strength, stiffness, and thermal stability.

Cellulose nanocrystals are biodegradable, renewable, and non-toxic, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to many synthetic and fossil-based materials.

How are cellulose nanocrystals made?

Hydrolysis:

Cellulose is treated with sulfuric acid under controlled conditions of temperature and time. The acid digests more accessible portions of the cellulose chains to leave the highly crystalline structures that are cellulose nanocrystals.

Neutralization and Washing:

The resulting cellulose nanocrystals are then neutralized to remove any remaining acid and washed thoroughly to remove any impurities.

Drying:

The cellulose nanocrystals are then dried through a spray-drying process, to produce a powder that can be easily stored, dispersed, and used in various applications.

Cellulose Nanocrystals Manufacturing Process

Sustainability Commitment

How is sustainability of cellulose nanocrystals?

Cellulose nanocrystals are considered to be a sustainable material. They are derived from cellulose, which is a natural polymer found in plant cell walls, and can be extracted from a variety of sources, including wood pulp, agricultural waste, and other plant-based materials.

Since cellulose nanocrystals are derived from renewable resources, they can replace synthetic and fossil-based materials that are derived from non-renewable sources.

Cellulose nanocrystals are biodegradable; they can be broken down by natural processes into harmless substances, and do not accumulate in the environment.

What is the Safety level of cellulose nanocrystals?

Cellulose nanocrystals are generally considered safe for use in various applications. Cellulose nanocrystals are derived from cellulose, which is a natural and biocompatible material that has been used in various applications for many years.

Cellulose nanocrystals are also biodegradable, which means they do not accumulate in the environment or pose a long-term risk to human health or the environment.