Cellulose· 2026Q1
Tracking the structural evolution of cellulose nanocrystal suspensions via small angle light scattering
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- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
Ultrasonication accelerates the formation of ordered domains in cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) suspensions, enabling faster long-range order development at lower concentrations and influencing structural features like cholesteric pitch and lamellar structures.
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Key points
- Ultrasonication accelerates the formation of ordered domains in CNC suspensions.
- Long-range order develops faster and at lower concentrations (1-9 wt%) with ultrasonication.
- Increased sonication time correlates with increased cholesteric pitch and lamellar structures.
- The structural history of CNC suspensions impacts their temporal evolution.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Abstract Understanding and controlling agglomeration of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is critical to enable their effective use in various applications. Light scattering techniques are powerful tools for studying how CNCs self-assemble in aqueous suspensions. We used small angle light scattering (SALS) and polarized microscopy to study the formation of ordered domains in CNC suspensions of moderate concentration (1–9 wt%) as a function of time and ultrasonication. Concentration, time and ultrasonication all influenced the structure and rate of tactoid formation. Ultrasonication allowed long-range order to develop faster, and at lower concentrations. The cholesteric pitch increased, and more lamellar structures were observed as sonication time increased. Our findings show that history impacts the temporal evolution of the CNC structures in solutions. These structures will likely influence the ultimate ordering of CNCs when they are used to make films or coatings.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Cellulose, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Biomaterials
BiomaterialsMaterials Science