Cellulose Nanofiber (Cellulose Nanofibril, Nanofibrillated Cellulose, CNFs)

Description

Cellulose Nanofiber (CNF) – Dry Powder, Width: 10-20 nm, Length: 2-3 µm

Cellulose Nanofibers (CNFs), also referred to as Cellulose Nanofibrils or Nanofibrillated Cellulose, are produced from cotton-derived fibrils and characterized by their high aspect ratio, with widths in the nanometer range and lengths in the micrometer scale. These naturally occurring structures offer an ideal combination of mechanical strength, surface area, and chemical modifiability, making them a sustainable alternative for numerous industries.

Today, CNFs are gaining strong scientific and industrial traction for applications in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, paints, paper additives, paperboard barriers, medical products, and advanced composites. Our CNF product is offered as a dry powder (~4 wt.% moisture) that combines high purity, functionality, and cost-efficiency.

Technical Properties

Frequently Asked Questions About CNF

1) What is the source of the Nano Fibrillated Cellulose? (hardwood or softwood and the tree name like Oak, Douglas fir, Birch, etc.)
The raw material for our CNF is cotton.

2) What is the surface charge of the CNF? (e.g., is it phosphorylated or carboxymethylated?)
The CNF surface is carboxymethylated. It is chemically modified via carboxymethylation and then mechanically processed.

3) Is the CNF hydrophilic?
Yes, CNF is hydrophilic. It can disperse well in water using a high-pressure homogenizer (40 MPa, 2-3 passes).

4) Is the CNF freeze-dried/spray-dried/TEMPO-oxidized?
Our CNF is made using a normal drying method (not freeze-dried or TEMPO-oxidized).

5) Is there any surface groups on CNF?
Yes, the CNF surface contains both hydroxyl (OH) and carboxyl (COOH) groups. The carboxyl content is 2.5 mmol/g, as determined by conductivity titration. These functional groups are stable under normal environmental conditions.

6) What is the main functional group of CNF?
The primary functional group present in CNF is the hydroxyl (–OH) group.

                                      TEM Image 

Applications

1. Body Armor Applications
   Due to its highly crystalline, needle-like structure, CNF exhibits exceptional strength—nearly eight times stronger than stainless steel. This makes it a promising material for future protective gear.
2. Flexible Batteries
   CNF can replace stiff battery separators with a flexible, thin, and high-performance alternative, particularly when combined with graphene.
3. Flexible Screens
   Thanks to its transparency, strength, and flexibility, CNF can serve as a next-gen substrate in bendable electronics and displays.
4. Filters
   Effective for water desalination, chemical filtration, and blood separation, CNF is suitable for a wide variety of filtration and purification applications.
5. Absorbent Aerogels
   When combined with aerogel foam, CNF forms ultra-light, highly absorbent materials useful in wound care and hygiene products.
6. Fuel-Efficient Cars
   Lightweight CNF composites can significantly reduce vehicle mass, contributing to lower fuel consumption in the automotive industry.
7. Biofuel Production
   Nanocellulose production using genetically modified algae may generate biofuels as a byproduct, paving the way for sustainable energy solutions.

Please contact us for quotes on larger quantities.