Kink formation in nanocellulose: Comparing TEMPO oxidation and carboxymethylation
This study investigated the kink formation mechanisms in nanocellulose induced by two typical carboxylation methods. TEMPO-mediated oxidation significantly made the nanocellulose chains more water-attracting and easier to dissolve, especially in the less organized areas. The introduction of carboxyl...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666893925002129 |
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| Summary: | This study investigated the kink formation mechanisms in nanocellulose induced by two typical carboxylation methods. TEMPO-mediated oxidation significantly made the nanocellulose chains more water-attracting and easier to dissolve, especially in the less organized areas. The introduction of carboxyl groups made the nanocellulose more susceptible to breakage during subsequent homogenization processes, resulting in shorter and more rigid nanocellulose with fewer kinks. In contrast, the carboxymethyl groups introduced through carboxymethylation exerted a milder effect on the nanocellulose chains. The cellulose microfibrils were more likely bend in the amorphous region, leading to an increase in the formation of kinks along the long and twisted nanocellulose. For TEMPO-mediated oxidation, the number of kinks decreased from 3.23 ± 1.87 to 1.70 ± 0.77 following oxidative gradient treatment, whereas carboxymethylation exhibited an increase in kinks from 4.71 ± 2.97 to 5.52 ± 3.02. These quantitative changes exhibited a negative correlation with the tensile strength and optical transparency of the nanocellulose films. Simultaneously, the thermal stability and contact angles of the films were predominantly governed by the dimensional characteristics and surface properties of the nanocellulose, respectively. This study elucidated how different carboxylation methods affect kink formation in nanocellulose, providing novel insights for enhancing nanocellulose preparation and efficacy. |
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| ISSN: | 2666-8939 |