Rodlike Cellulose Microcrystals: Structure, Properties, and Applications

Abstract Summary: In this article we present some interesting properties of rodlike cellulose microcrystals (so‐called “whiskers”). These microcrystals can be obtained from different cellulose sources such as wood, cotton, or animal origin. When submitted to acid hydrolysis, the cellulose fibers yield stable aqueous suspensions because of the presence of negative charges on the surface of the microcrystallites during the hydrolysis process. The obtained microcrystals are rod‐shaped particles, the dimensions of which depend on the cellulose origin. For instance, the cotton whiskers have typical dimensions varying from 100 to 300 nm in length, L , and 8 to 10 nm in diameter, d , while those of the tunicate…