Abstract
Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) is a nanoscale colloid with superior potential for coatings, liquid crystal displays, and optoelectronics. However, to date, the presence of hydrophilicity still limits its application. Multifunction via graft copolymerization modification of CNC appears to be breaking into a new direction. In this study, we used the residual hydroxyl groups on the CNC to react with 2-bromoisobu-tyryl bromide, and the initiator was therefore anchored on the CNC surface. Through atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), CNC was successfully grafted to azobenzene monomer, i.e., 9-[4-[2-[4-(trifluorometh) phenyl] diazenyl] phenoxy] nonayl acrylate (FAZO). After a series of characterization methods, such as FTIR, NMR and XRD, it was found that the surface water contact angle of the CNC-PFAZO prepared by the modification was as high as 134.4°, and the high hydrophilicity of this material could be maintained for up to one month, even longer.
Highlights
As a cellulose-based material, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) have the advantages of being widely sourced and renewable
We reported a stepwise graft copolymerization modification of CNC and successfully obtained a homogeneous and yellow-colored FAZO-grafted CNC suspension well dispersed in an organic solvent
We used the residual hydroxyl groups on the CNC to react with 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide, and the initiator was anchored on the CNC surface
Summary
As a cellulose-based material, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) have the advantages of being widely sourced and renewable. Shikha Shrestha et al [3] explored a covalent surface-modified cellulose nanofiber-epoxy nanocomposite system. They mentioned that, compared with other cellulose-based fillers, the surface modification of TEMPO-oxidized CNFs could improve the reinforcement effect of nanocomposites and enhance the final performance even at low filler content. Chowdhury et al [4] studied nanocomposite coatings formed by cross-linking cellulose nanocrystals and water-based blocked polyisocyanate at different curing temperatures, where CNC and polyisocyanate (PCI) are mechanically mixed into the same situation. The conclusion is that after CNC and PIC are cross-linked, the hydrophilicity is significantly reduced by 3 times
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
