Open Access

REVIEW

Cellulose Nanofi brils: From Strong Materials to Bioactive Surfaces**

Yanxia Zhang¹, Tiina Nypelö^1,*, Carlos Salas¹, Julio Arboleda¹, Ingrid C. Hoeger^1,*, Orlando J. Rojas^1,2,*

1 Departments of Forest Biomaterials and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
2 School of Chemical Technology, Department of Forest Products Technology, Aalto University, FI-00076 Aalto, Espoo, Finland

* Corresponding Authors: ; ;

Journal of Renewable Materials 2013, 1(3), 195-211. https://doi.org/10.7569/JRM.2013.634115

Received 08 March 2013; Accepted 05 May 2013;

Abstract

Cellulose nanofi brils (CNF), also known as nanofi brillar cellulose (NFC), are an advanced biomaterial made mainly from renewable forest and agricultural resources that have demonstrated exceptional performance in composites. In addition, they have been utilized in barrier coatings, food, transparent fl exible fi lms and other applications. Research on CNF has advanced rapidly over the last decade and several of the fundamental questions about production and characterization of CNF have been addressed. An interesting shift in focus in the recent reported literature indicates increased efforts aimed at taking advantage of the unique properties of CNF. This includes its nanoscale dimensions, high surface area, unique morphology, low density and mechanical strength. In addition, CNF can be easily (chemically) modified and is readily available, renewable, and biodegradable. These facts are expected to materialize in a more widespread use of CNF. However, there is no clear indication of the most promising avenues for CNF deployment in commercial products. This review attempts to illustrate some exciting opportunities for CNF, specifi cally, in the development of aerogels, composites, bioactive materials and inorganic/organic hybrid materials.

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Keywords

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