In-depth interpretation of the performance analysis and application potential of nanocellulose

Nanocellulose is a nanoscale material based on natural cellulose and processed by physical, chemical or enzymatic means. Due to its unique crystal structure, high specific surface area and intermolecular hydrogen bonding network , nanocellulose has excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability, chemical modification and biocompatibility. It is considered to be one of the key materials to achieve the goal of ' petroleum replacement ' and ' material sustainability ' .

Nanjing Tianlu Nanotechnology Co., Ltd. has long been focused on the R&D and production of nanocellulose, especially in TEMPO oxidative modification, carboxylation compounding and dispersion system optimization, and has accumulated rich technical experience to provide high-performance solutions for the fields of medicine, packaging, functional coatings and polymer composite materials.

1. Excellent mechanical properties endowed by high crystalline structure

The mechanical strength of nanocellulose mainly comes from its highly crystalline cellulose Iβ crystal structure . In this structure, glucose units are closely arranged along the fiber direction, and highly ordered crystal domains are formed through strong hydrogen bonding interactions between molecular chains, allowing it to exhibit ultra-high strength and modulus under tensile stress.

Experimental data shows that the tensile strength of a single nanofiber can reach 2 GPa , and the Young's modulus is about 120–150 GPa , far exceeding traditional polymers and some metal materials (such as aluminum alloys). This property allows in the composite system . it to significantly improve the strength, toughness and impact resistance of the matrix material by adding only 1-3 wt%

In addition, the large number of hydroxyl groups on the fiber surface provides excellent interfacial bonding ability, which can form a hydrogen bond network or chemical cross-linked structure in the polymer matrix , effectively improving interfacial stress transmission and reducing the expansion of microcracks.

2. Thermal and optical properties under nanoscale effects

The thermal decomposition temperature of nanocellulose can generally reach 250–300°C , which is mainly attributed to the close arrangement of crystal regions and the high stability of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. After modification
by TEMPO oxidation or esterification, its thermal stability can be further improved to above 310°C , providing process guarantee for the processing of thermoplastic composite materials.

In terms of optical properties, the average diameter of nanocellulose is only 5–20 nm , which is much lower than the visible light wavelength range ( 400–700 nm ), so it has excellent light transmittance ( >90% ) after film formation. When combined with graphene oxide or conductive polymers, flexible electrode films with both transparency and conductivity can be prepared and used in flexible displays, sensors and optoelectronic devices.

3. Surface chemical activity and functional modification

The surface of nanocellulose is rich in hydroxyl groups ( –OH ), making it a highly designable functional material platform. Through chemical modification, different surface charges, wettability and reactivity can be given.

Current mainstream modification strategies include:

Modification method	Reactive group	Function enhancement	Application direction
TEMPO oxidation method	–COOH	Improve dispersion and hydrophilicity	Medical hydrogel, stabilizer
Esterification modification	–COOR	impart hydrophobicity	Packaging film, coating materials
Sulfonation modification	–SO₃H	Enhance ion exchange capacity	Conductive composite materials
Amination modification	–NH₂	Enhance chemical binding capabilities	Biosensing, drug carriers

The TL-010 series of carboxylated nanocellulose developed by Nanjing Tianlu Nanotechnology Co., Ltd. is prepared by TEMPO oxidation method. It has the characteristics of high purity, high dispersion and controllable degree of substitution. It shows stable and reliable performance in coating thickeners, adhesive systems and biomedical materials.

4. Biocompatibility and environmental friendliness

Nanocellulose comes from a wide range of sources and can be extracted from wood pulp, cotton, agricultural straw and even bacteria, and is completely renewable. Its chemical composition is β-1,4- glucose chain, which is non-toxic and non-irritating and complies with EU REACH standards and FDA biomaterial specifications.

In addition, nanocellulose can be degraded into glucose by microbial enzymes in the natural environment, completely avoiding the problem of plastic particle pollution. This characteristic gives it unique advantages in green fields such as degradable packaging, medical dressings, and drug sustained-release carriers .

5. Performance parameters and application examples

Performance metrics	Nanocellulose	PET	PLA	Remark
Tensile strength ( MPa)	1500–2000	55–75	50–70	High-strength lightweight material
Young's Modulus ( GPa)	120–150	2.7–3.0	3.5–4.0	High rigidity
Thermal decomposition temperature ( ℃)	280–310	230	260	Excellent thermal stability
Light transmittance ( %)	≥90	88	90	Suitable for transparent film
Biodegradability	Completely degradable	Non-degradable	Biodegradable	Obvious environmental advantages

At present, Nanjing Tianlu Nanotechnology Co., Ltd. has applied nanocellulose to:

Food packaging film : improve barrier performance and mechanical strength;

Functional coating system : improve dispersion stability and film-forming properties;

Drug sustained-release carrier : achieve controlled release and biocompatibility;

3DPrinting composite materials : enhancing structural stability and environmental protection.

6. Conclusion

The research and application of nanocellulose has gradually moved from the laboratory to industrialization. It has multiple advantages such as structural strength, designable surface activity, and environmental sustainability , and is becoming an important support for future polymer materials.

Nanjing Tianlu Nanotechnology Co., Ltd. will continue to deepen the research on the preparation process of nanocellulose, develop multi-functional modification technology and composite application systems, promote the widespread implementation of nanocellulose in the fields of green packaging, electronic information, biomedicine and degradable materials , and provide solid support for the sustainable development of the new materials industry.