Nanocellulose is considered a large solid
substance that is extracted from plant matter having nano-sized cellulose
fibrils. It is considered a useful futuristic material because of its physicochemical
characteristics, which include chemical inertness, low density, increased strength,
dimensional stability, and ability to modify surface chemistry. The lateral
dimensions of nanocellulose lie within 5 to 20nm, while its longitudinal
dimensions are found to be within 10's of nm to several microns. This material
is pseudoplastic in nature, having properties of specific fluids or gel that,
in normal conditions, have a thick consistency. Nanocellulose is categorized
into major categories, including nanostructured materials and nanofibers.
Nanocellulose has the potential to be a green nanomaterial due to its
outstanding features. These characteristics are due to its increased surface
area, tailorability of the with chemistry, improved mechanical characteristics,
and anisotropic shape making it an excellent material to be used in a wide
range of applications from biomedical engineering to material science,
exhibiting an elevated potential for evolving industries. Other applications
are its use as nanocomposite materials, biomedical products, catalytic
supports, batteries, wood adhesive, supercapacitors, and electroactive
polymers. Nanocellulose is also used as a food packaging material because of
its safe use as a food thickener. Nanocellulose is also considered less
expensive and a better alternative to carbon and glass fibre. It has the
capability to replace photochemical products because it is cheaper in
comparison to other high-performance nanoscale materials. It is also considered
useful and appropriate material to be used in the paper and pulp industry to
enhance absorbency.
