Modification and application of nanocrystalline cellulose as reinforcement material

Cellulose is the most abundant biomass material in nature and has several promising properties. Interest in nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) has increased dramatically exponential because it is relatively easy to prepare in high yields, it is strong, has a low weight, a high specific surface, thermal stability, and is biodegradable. NCC with a length ranging from 100 to 500 nm and a diameter of less than 10 nm, is a promising material because it can be applied in various fields, such as biomedicine, adsorbent, emulsifier, filler, and a composites. However, the hydrophilic properties of the NCC surface causes a the limited application because of its incompatibility with hydrophobic polymers. Therefore, various modifications to the surface of NCC have been investigated to increase the compatibility between NCC and hydrophobic matrix polymers. This paper summarizes several methods that can be used for surface modification of NCC, including cationization modification, acetylation, oxidation, carbamination, non-silane and its application resulted a better interaction with a hydrophobic polymer. The improved mechanical, barrier, water resistant and thermal properties have a positive effect when the NCC is used as reinforcement material.