Assessing nanocellulose developments using science and technology indicators

Abstract

This research aims to examine scientific and technological trends of developments in nanocellulose based on scientometric and patent indicators obtained from the Science Citation Index and Derwent Innovations Index in 2001-2010. The overall nanocellulose activity indicators were compared to nanotechnology and other selected nanomaterials. Scientific and technological future developments in nanocellulose were forecasted using extrapolation growth curves and the main countries were also mapped. The results showed that nanocellulose publications and patent documents have increased rapidly over the last five years with an average growth rate higher than that of nanotechnology and fullerene. The USA, Japan, France, Sweden and Finland all played a significant role in nanocellulose development and the extrapolation growth curves suggested that nanocellulose scientific and technological activities are still emerging. Finally, the evidence from this study recommends monitoring nanocellulose S&T advances in the coming years.

A delineating procedure to retrieve relevant publication data in research areas: the case of nanocellulose

“…A search expression was developed considering several terms and synonyms found in nanocellulose literature and recommended by experts (Klemm et al, 2011;Milanez et al, 2013;Siqueira et al, 2010;Siró & Plackett, 2010), as can be seen from Table 1. The search expression encompassed different words that refer to cellulose nanocrystals, cellulose nanofibrils, and bacterial cellulose as well as other generic forms, such as nanocellulose, cellulose nanoparticles, and cellulose nanofiller.…”

“…These cellulosebased nanomaterials are sustainable and has a great potential for innovation (Isogai, 2013;Mariano, Kissi, & Dufresne, 2014;Milanez, Amaral, Faria, & Gregolin, 2013;Moon, Martini, Nairn, Simonsen, & Youngblood, 2011). Nanocelluloses have been a research area for many countries, including the major producers of cellulose worldwide, such as the USA, Canada, Finland, Sweden and Brazil (Milanez et al, 2013).…”

“…These cellulosebased nanomaterials are sustainable and has a great potential for innovation (Isogai, 2013;Mariano, Kissi, & Dufresne, 2014;Milanez, Amaral, Faria, & Gregolin, 2013;Moon, Martini, Nairn, Simonsen, & Youngblood, 2011). Nanocelluloses have been a research area for many countries, including the major producers of cellulose worldwide, such as the USA, Canada, Finland, Sweden and Brazil (Milanez et al, 2013). Different disciplines are involved with nanocellulose research since its properties and behaviour have allowed applications as reinforcement agent in composite materials, packing material, optically transparent paper for electronic devices, texturizing agent in cosmetics and food, bio-artificial implants and bandages (Isogai, 2013;Klemm et al, 2011;Mariano et al, 2014;Moon et al, 2011;Siqueira, Bras, & Dufresne, 2010).…”

“…In this case, mechanical process and chemical/enzymatic approaches are used to obtain cellulose nanofibrils and cellulose nanocrystals, respectively. Moreover, cellulose nanocrystals can be biosynthesized by bacteria, resulting in the also called bacterial cellulose (Klemm et al, 2011;Milanez et al, 2013;Moon et al, 2011).…”

“…Surface modifications to reduce moisture adsorption and improve the adhesion between the nanomaterial and the polymeric matrix, thermal degradation, and biocompatibility with living tissues has also been target of research (Gardner, Opo, Oporto, Mills, & Samir, 2008;Isogai, 2013;Klemm et al, 2011;Mariano et al, 2014;Milanez et al, 2013;Moon et al, 2011;Siqueira et al, 2010).…”