A review on lignocellulose chemistry, nanostructure, and their impact on interfacial interactions for sustainable products development

Over the last decade, the utilization of nanocellulose for novel applications has positioned this renewable source as a promising alternative substitution for petroleum-based materials. When attempting to utilize and incorporate lignocellulosic materials from different raw materials and varying chemical compositions into composite materials, it is crucial to understand the interfacial interactions between the different chemical components of such composites. Likewise, these interactions will dictate the behavior of the lignocellulosic suspensions, thus directly impacting the intrinsic properties of the resulting materials. As explained in this review, understanding the atomic and molecular interactions, and other phenomena occurring in the water media, opens a wide range of possible composite materials and applications that can be targeted with different renewable and sustainable materials. Consequently, the use of forest and agricultural by-products can be enhanced, increasing its potential value and providing a more environmentally friendly alternative to displace fossil-based polymers.