articleSoft MatterSep 6, 2010Closed access

Cellulose nanowhiskers: promising materials for advanced applications

SJStephen J. Eichhorn

University of Manchester

Indexed incrossref

Abstract

This review covers the production, structure, properties and applications of nanowhiskers of cellulose. It is shown that these nanowhiskers can be generated, from various plant sources, with transverse dimensions as small as 3–30 nm, giving a high surface to volume ratio. Since the nanowhiskers are rod-like, it is shown how they can be self-assembled into chiral nematic liquid crystalline structures, not only in solution, but also in the dry state. The production of thin films of cellulose nanowhiskers, by spin coating and in combination with polymer electrolytes, is also covered. A wide range of chemical modification of cellulose nanowhiskers are reviewed; including 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl…

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777
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21.49
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100%
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Authors

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Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Materials science
  • Cellulose
  • Polymer
  • Nanotechnology
  • Chemical engineering
  • Polymerization
  • Nanocomposite
  • Thin film
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