Description
Cellulose Nanocrystal (Nanocrystalline Cellulose, CNC)
Form: Dry Powder | Purity: ~96% | Color: White
Size: Width: 10–20 nm, Length: 300–900 nm
Crystalline Nanocellulose (CNC) is derived from natural cellulose through sulfuric acid hydrolysis. With its unique needle-like nanostructure,
CNC exhibits high strength (up to 8 times stronger than stainless steel), excellent chemical reactivity, and high surface area, making it ideal
for applications in energy, materials, biomedicine, and electronics.
Technical Properties
Property | Value |
---|---|
Appearance (Color) | White |
Form | Dry powder (~4 wt.% moisture) |
Average Particle Size | Width: 10–20 nm, Length: 300–900 nm |
Cellulose Crystallinity (XRD) | 92% |
Decomposition Temperature (TGA in N₂) | 349 °C |
Density | 1.49 g/cm³ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1) What method is used for the production of nanocrystals?
→ Nanocrystals are produced by sulfuric acid hydrolysis of cellulose.
2) Are any binders used during production?
→ No. This product is completely binder-free.
3) With which chemical is the dispersion of CNC made? Water, ethanol, or others?
→ CNC is typically dispersed in deionized water. Tap water can also be used, but may lead to higher particle association. It is also dispersible in DMSO, DMF, ethylene glycol, and water-alcohol mixtures.
4) Where is CNC extracted from?
→ It is extracted from natural cellulose, which is the primary structural component of trees and plants.
5) Can the CNC product be customized for different applications?
→ Yes, CNC can be customized to suit different application needs. Its particle size, shape, surface charge, and functional groups can be adjusted during processing to enhance compatibility with various systems. Moreover, its thermal stability (up to ~280 °C) and reactive surface allow CNC to be tailored for high-temperature and chemically specific uses in fields such as composites, coatings, biomedical materials, and electronics.
6) What is the main chemical group present in the product?
→ The primary chemical groups present on our CNC are hydroxyl (–OH) groups, which occur naturally in cellulose. Additionally, during sulfuric acid hydrolysis, sulfate half-ester groups (–OSO₃⁻) are introduced to the surface. These functional groups contribute to the colloidal stability, reactivity, and dispersion behavior of CNC in aqueous and mixed solvent systems.
TEM Image of Crystaliline Nanocellulose
Applications of CNC:
Body Armor:
Needle-like crystalline structure provides strength ~8 times higher than stainless steel, ideal for next-gen lightweight armor.Flexible Batteries:
Replaces thick separators with flexible, high-performance materials when combined with graphene.Flexible Screens:
Due to its transparency, lightness, and strength, CNC is a viable alternative to glass or plastic in flexible electronics.Advanced Filtration:
Filters saltwater, harmful chemicals, and blood cells during transfusions, offering biocompatible purification.Absorbent Aerogels:
When mixed with aerogels, CNC forms ultra-light, porous materials for wound care and hygiene applications.Fuel-Efficient Automotive Components:
Nanocellulose-reinforced composites reduce vehicle weight, increasing fuel efficiency and sustainability.Biofuels:
Algae-based CNC production can be adapted to generate biofuels as valuable byproducts.