Research on the high mechanical strength properties of nanocellulose: the development direction of advanced biomimetic materials

Nanocellulose ( Nanocellulose ), as one of the most representative bio-based nanomaterials in the field of materials science in recent years, is regarded as the core of a new generation of green high-performance structural materials due to its high mechanical strength, high specific strength, low density, reproducibility and high designability . Especially in terms of mechanical properties, the strength level displayed by nanocellulose is close to or even surpasses some traditional metal and inorganic fiber materials.

In terms of domestic nanocellulose technology research and development and application expansion, Nanjing Tianlu Nanotechnology Co., Ltd. has long focused on the preparation technology and functional research of high-performance nanocellulose materials. Its related products and technical systems are promoting nanocellulose from the laboratory to engineering applications.

1. From molecular structure to nanostructure: the structural basis of high mechanical strength

The mechanical performance advantages of nanocellulose originate from its unique molecular and nanoscale structural system:

1. Highly rigid main chain composed of β-1,4-glucose chains

The molecular chain consists of C–C and C–O covalent bonds forming a rigid skeleton, with extremely high theoretical tensile strength.

2. Stable stacking of high crystallinity region (Crystallinity 50%–90%)

The molecular chains are highly regularly arranged in the crystallization area, forming a stable lattice through hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces, which is the source of its high modulus.

3. Nanoscale 'low defect structure'

Nanofiber diameters are typically 3–50 nm , significantly reducing microcracks and structural defects and bringing mechanical properties closer to theoretical values.

In the preparation system of Nanjing Tianlu Nanotechnology Co., Ltd., through mechanical - chemical collaborative dispersion and structural orientation optimization technology , the proportion of fiber crystal regions and fiber integrity can be further improved, significantly improving the mechanical properties of the material.

2. Mechanical property data: Specific strength is comparable to or even exceeds steel

Current research and engineering verification at home and abroad have shown that:

1. Tensile Strength

CNC (nanocrystalline cellulose): 300–600 MPa

More directional structures can even reach 700 MPa

This indicator is close to the tensile level of high-strength steel and even aviation-grade aluminum alloys.

2. Young’s modulus (Elastic Modulus)

CNC : 110–150 GPa

CNF film (high orientation): up to 90 GPa

Its modulus performance is close to that of glass fiber and much higher than that of common bio-based materials.

3. The specific strength (Strength-to-density Ratio) is higher than that of metal materials

The density is about 1.5 g/cm³ and the weight is much lower than steel and aluminum alloys, making nanocellulose an ideal lightweight structural material.。

Nanjing Tianlu Nanotechnology Co., Ltd. introduces in the production process high-energy dissipation grinding system and fiber network reconstruction technology , which can significantly improve the mechanical uniformity and interface stability of the material, making its products have more stable batch performance in terms of mechanical performance indicators.

3. Mechanism of mechanical enhancement: multi-scale collaborative advanced material system

The high strength of nanocellulose comes from the synergy of multi-level structures:

1. Multi-point hydrogen bond network (H-bond Network) stable structure

The hydroxyl groups form a large number of hydrogen bonds between the crystal region and the fiber, allowing the mechanical load to be efficiently transferred in the fiber network.

2. Enhanced anisotropy brought about by increased orientation

Modulus and strength can be significantly increased through casting, electric field orientation or mechanical stretching processes.

Nanjing Tianlu Nanotechnology Co., Ltd. uses a self-developed directional film-forming process in this direction to achieve a high degree of fiber arrangement on a microscopic scale, significantly improving the tensile strength and rigidity of the material.

3. Nano-interface effect brings efficient stress conduction

The large specific surface area forms a high-strength interface between the fiber and the resin / polymer, improving the overall mechanical properties of the composite material.

4. Engineering application value brought by high mechanical strength

With its high strength properties, nanocellulose has been widely used in the following advanced material fields:

1. High performance composite reinforcement

Strengthen PLA 、PVA , epoxy, nylon and other systems to provide higher mechanical stability in the direction of automobiles, electronics and environmentally friendly materials.

2. High strength transparent film material

Suitable for flexible displays, barrier films, optical device substrates, etc.

3. Biomedical materials

Its strength, toughness and biocompatibility make it useful in tissue engineering scaffolds and biomechanical materials.

4. Aerospace lightweight material design

High specific strength provides a green alternative direction for carbon fiber composites.

Nanjing Tianlu Nanotechnology Co., Ltd. is promoting the industrialization demonstration of nanocellulose in the direction of reinforced composite materials, functional films, green packaging and biomedical materials , providing technical support for the domestic nanomaterials industry.

5. Future development direction: from bionic materials to engineered advanced materials

Future research priorities will include:

Higher crystallinity control and molecular chain orientation control

Composite research on nanocellulose and two-dimensional materials such as graphene and MXene

Low energy consumption preparation technology improves industrialization efficiency

Expanding applications in the fields of energy storage, flexible electronics and smart materials

In the above directions, Nanjing Tianlu Nanotechnology Co., Ltd. is working hard to promote nanocellulose from ' laboratory materials ' to ' engineering materials that can be manufactured on a large scale ' through continuous R&D investment and process accumulation.。