Nanocellulose thickening: principle, performance and application

With the continuous advancement of science and technology, nanotechnology has shown great application potential in many fields. Nanocellulose, as an important nanomaterial, has been widely used in many industries for its unique thickening properties. This article will introduce the thickening effect of nanocellulose in detail through principles, performance characteristics and application fields, and combine it with some data parameters to support it.

1. Nanocellulose thickening principle

Nanocellulose is mainly decomposed into nano-scale fibers by physical or chemical means by cellulose molecules, with a high specific surface area and a unique molecular structure. This allows it to thicken the liquid through a variety of mechanisms. The following is a specific analysis of its thickening principle:

The specific surface area of ​​nanocelluloses can usually reach 200–400 m²/g, which is much higher than conventional micro-scale cellulose. Such a large specific surface area allows nanocellulose to have extensive contact with molecules in the liquid, creating a powerful physical interaction, thereby enhancing the viscosity of the liquid.

The nanocellulose-forming molecules of the fiber network structure are interwoven into a three-dimensional network structure in the liquid. These nano-scale fibers will be connected to water molecules or other molecules in the liquid through hydrogen bonds, forming a stable structural network. According to experimental data, the viscosity of nanocellulose solution can reach 2-3 times that of traditional thickeners, and this network structure is not easy to destroy the shear force, thus ensuring long-term thickening effect.

Hydrogen bonding nanocellulose surface contains a large amount of hydroxyl groups (-OH), which can bind to water molecules or other polar molecules through hydrogen bonds. This hydrogen bonding effect makes the thickening effect of nanocellulose in aqueous solution more prominent. This effect can be further enhanced by regulating the surface hydrophilicity of cellulose.

Shear dilution effect nanocellulose has unique shear thickening properties, i.e., it shows higher viscosity at lower shear rates and lower viscosity at higher shear rates. Experimental data show that at low shear rate, the viscosity of 1 wt% nanocellulose aqueous solution can reach 1000-2000 cP, while at high shear rate, the viscosity drops to 300-500 cP.

2. Performance characteristics of nanocellulose

In addition to thickening, nanocellulose also has the following performance advantages, which make it useful in many industries:

Environmentally friendly nanocellulose is derived from natural plant fibers and has good biodegradability. According to the study, the degradation cycle of nanocellulose can be completed within a few months without causing a long-term burden on the environment.

The thickening effect of adjustable nanocellulose can be accurately controlled by adjusting its particle size, concentration and surface treatment method. For example, the concentration of nanocellulose can be increased from 0.1% to 5%, with its thickening ability stable and without insoluble or precipitation.

Biocompatible nanocellulose is non-toxic and harmless, and has no side effects on the human body, which makes it widely used in the fields of food, cosmetics and medicine. In pharmaceutical preparations, nanocellulose exhibits excellent biocompatibility when used as a drug carrier and can effectively deliver drug ingredients.

High strength and high toughness nanocellulose have extremely high mechanical strength. For example, the tensile strength of treated nanocellulose can reach 1-3 GPa, while the tensile strength of conventional cellulose is generally between 100-200 MPa. Therefore, it can maintain the structure stability in complex flow environments and continuously provide thickening effects.

III. Application fields of nanocellulose

The thickening properties of nanocellulose have made it widely used in many fields. The following are some major application areas, and are evidenced by relevant data:

Food Industry In the food industry, nanocellulose is used as thickeners, emulsifiers and stabilizers. Taking juice drinks as an example, adding 0.5%-1% nanocellulose can significantly improve its taste and stability and extend its shelf life. Experimental data show that nanocellulose can increase the viscosity of juice by 2-3 times and improve the smoothness of the taste.

Cosmetics Industry In cosmetics, nanocellulose is used as a thickener, which can improve the texture of lotions, face creams and other products and improve their stability. In the emulsion, 0.3%-0.5% nanocellulose can increase the viscosity of the product by about 30%-50%. In addition, nanocellulose can prevent the component from being layered and maintain uniformity of the emulsion.

In pharmaceutical industry, nanocellulose is used as thickeners and drug carriers in pharmaceutical preparations. Studies have shown that nanocellulose can effectively improve the bioavailability of drugs, and it can form a uniform solution in water to ensure the slow release of drugs. For example, adding nanocellulose to the injection can improve the absorption efficiency of drugs in the body.

Petroleum and mineral mining Nanocellulose is used as a thickener for drilling fluids in petroleum exploration and exploitation. It can enhance the viscosity of drilling fluid and improve the efficiency of oil well drilling. By using nanocellulose, the viscosity of the drilling fluid can be increased to above 2000 cP, thereby improving fluid control during drilling and reducing equipment wear.

Coatings and Adhesives Nanocellulose is used as thickeners in coatings and adhesives, which can improve their adhesion and stability. Studies have shown that adding 1% nanocellulose coating can effectively improve the consistency and coverage of the coating, and it is not easy to delaminate during drying.

The application of environmental protection nanocellulose in water treatment has also gradually gained attention, especially as a flocculant during wastewater treatment. Studies have shown that nanocellulose can effectively remove suspended matter and pollutants in water, and the water quality will be significantly improved after treatment.

4. Summary

Nanocellulose has been widely used in many industries such as food, cosmetics, and medicine due to its excellent thickening properties, environmental protection and high biocompatibility. By adjusting its concentration, particle size and surface modification, its thickening effect can be flexibly controlled, providing more innovative solutions to various industries. With the in-depth study of the characteristics of nanocellulose, its application potential in the fields of environmental protection, energy, materials, etc. will be continuously explored, promoting the development of related industries.