Applications of Cellulose Nanocrystals: A Review

Shaoqu Xie 1

Xiao Zhang 1

Michael P. Walcott

and Hongfei Lin 1, Email

1 The Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA

2 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA

Abstract

Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCs) have a great potential as an excellent nanomaterial for synthesizing advanced materials. To date a lot of research has been done both in terms of the modification of CNCs as well as in developing the CNCs applications. This work is a review of widespread CNCs applications in papermaking industry, reinforcing filler for polymers, shape memory polymers, healable polymeric materials, food industry, drug carrier in pharmaceutical industry, supporting matrix for catalysts, and nanomedicine. The properties of the unmodified CNCs and modified CNCs, the CNCs-free and CNCs-containing materials, and the CNCs use patterns are also described.

Applications of Cellulose Nanocrystals: A Review