This review article was prompted by a remarkable growth in the number of scientific publications dealing with the use of nanocellulose (especially nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), and bacterial cellulose (BC)) to enhance the barrier properties and other performance attributes of new generations of packaging products. Recent research has confirmed and extended what is known about oxygen barrier and water vapor transmission performance, strength properties, and the susceptibility of nanocellulose-based films and coatings to the presence of humidity or moisture. Recent research also points to various promising strategies to prepare ecologically-friendly packaging materials, taking advantage of nanocellulose-based layers, to compete in an arena that has long been dominated by synthetic plastics. Some promising approaches entail usage of multiple layers of different materials or additives such as waxes, high-aspect ratio nano-clays, and surface-active compounds in addition to the nanocellulose material.While various high-end applications may be achieved by chemical derivatization or grafting of the nanocellulose, the current trends in research suggest that high-volume implementation will likely incorporate water-based formulations, which may include water-based dispersions or emulsions, depending on the enduses. Resources; North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; b: Nalco Champion, an Ecolab Company, 7705 Highway 90-A, Sugar Land, TX 77478, USA; c: School of Clothing and Textiles, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China; d: Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, PO Box 16300, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland; * Corresponding author: hubbe@ncsu Table B -Barrier properties of NFC films 2144 2145 2145 2149 2151 2152 2153 2155 2155 2157 2157 2158 2158 2159 2159 2166 2170 2172 2173 2174 2175 2177 2179 2208 2208 2228 REVIEW ARTICLE bioresources.com . "Nanocellulose in packaging," BioResources 12(1), 2143-2233. 2144 Keywords: Barrier properties; Water vapor transmission; Food shelf life; Oxygen transmission; Packages; Cellulose nanomaterials Contact information: a: Department of Forest Biomaterials, College of Natural INTRODUCTIONThere has been explosive growth in the publication of peer-reviewed articles that combine key words related to "packaging" and "cellulose," in combination with the terms "nanocellulose," "nanocrystal*," or "nanofibril*". As of November 2016, a search of this combination of terms showed about as many publications since the start of 2015, compared to all preceding years combined. Given such an acceleration of research around the world, it makes sense to ask whether this high amount of research effort has yet borne significant fruit. In light of this question, the emphasis of this review article is on research publications that shed light on known challenges to the successful implementation of nanocellulose products to enhance the performance of packaging.In principle, a nano...

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Commercialization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) presents opportunities for a wide range of new products. Techno‐economic assessments can provide insightful information for the efficient design of conversion processes, drive cost‐saving efforts, and reduce financial risks. In this study, we conducted techno‐economic assessments for CNC production using information from the USDA Forest Products Laboratory Pilot Plant, literature, and discussions with experts. Scenarios considered included variations related to greenfield, co‐location, and acid recovery. Operating costs, capital investment, minimum product selling price (MPSP), financial performance metrics, and the effect of drying and higher reaction yields on CNC manufacturing financials were estimated for each scenario. The lowest MPSP was found for the co‐location without acid recovery scenario, mainly driven by capital investment. Risk analysis indicates 95% probability of manufacturing costs lower than USD 5900/t of CNC (dry equivalent) and a MPSP lower than USD 7200/t of CNC (dry equivalent). Finally, based on our analysis, we provide guidance on process optimizations that can improve the economic performance of CNC manufacturing process. In addition, a risk profile of the CNC manufacturing business is provided. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Hydrogels are three-dimensional porous polymeric networks prepared by physical or chemical cross-linking of hydrophilic molecules, which can be made into smart materials through judicious chemical modifications to recognize external stimuli; more specifically, this can be accomplished by the integration with stimuli-responsive polymers or sensing molecules that has drawn considerable attention in their possible roles as sensors and diagnostic tools. They can be tailored in different structures and integrated into systems, depending on their chemical and physical structure, sensitivity to the external stimuli and biocompatibility. A panoramic overview of the sensing advances in the field of hydrogels over the past several decades focusing on a variety protocols of hydrogel preparations is provided, with a major focus on natural polymers. The modifications of hydrogel composites by incorporating inorganic nanoparticles and organic polymeric compounds for sensor applications and their mechanisms are also discussed.

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