Biomimetic adsorption of zwitterionic–xyloglucan block copolymers to CNF: towards tailored super-absorbing cellulose materials

Abstract

A biomimetic, facile approach to cellulose modification is the utilisation of self-adsorbing, naturally occurring biopolymers, such as the hemicellulose xyloglucan (XG). Herein, XG-block-poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (XG-b-PSBMA) zwitterionic block copolymers have been prepared and assessed for their ability to adsorb to cellulose, specifically cellulose nanofibrils (CNF). The polymers were synthesised using reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer ( These results highlight the advantage of using an XG block for the biomimetic modification of cellulose to form new cellulose-composite materials such as super-absorbing films.

Nanoparticle rearrangement under stress in networks of cellulose nanofibrils using in situ SAXS during tensile testing

“…In our previous study, it was shown that the swelling of CNF films, only dried at room temperature, results in cavities between the layered planes. 30 Walther et al also presented a corroborating image of the layered structure from film formation and discussed the effect of the weakening of the network's internal bonding with water. 30,31 Hence, the placement of strongly adhering NPs (PDMAEMA corona) between such layered structures, with the formation of bundles of CNFs along the thickness direction, would allow for a more flexible material with prolonged plastic deformation, Fig.…”

“…Since it is well known that networks of CNFs are very sensitive to moisture and swell at high humidity, measurements were performed at a variety of RH-values. 3,30 The Linkam stage provided a sealed sample chamber in which the humidity could be controlled with an inlet flow of combined dry and saturated nitrogen with regulated flows. The resulting humidity control provided a tuneable test environment between 20-80% RH at room temperature.…”

Tailoring adhesion of anionic surfaces using cationic PISA-latexes – towards tough nanocellulose materials in the wet state

“…[1][2][3][4][5] Cellulosic materials often suffer from incompatibility and mixing issues with synthetic polymers, due to their inherent hydrophilic nature. Nanosized cellulose materials, nanocrystals (CNCs) and nanofibrils (CNFs), have attracted significant interest as sustainable materials for bio-nanocomposite applications, 6,7 functional materials in aero-or hydrogels, 8,9 and strong and stiff films. 5 In several strategies, CNFs or CNCs are combined with synthetic polymer matrices to increase stiffness and strength, as well as the content of renewables in the final material.…”

Engineered Polysaccharides: α‐1,3‐Glucan Acetates Showing Upper Critical Solution Temperature in Organic Solvents

“…[19] Moreover, phase transitions have been observed for cellulose derivatives mixed or grafted with other polymers. [20][21][22][23] Xanthan gums were found to be a UCST polymer as well. [24] Such materials have found increasing interest as stimuli-responsive polymers for the preparation of smart materials.…”

“…Inorganic esters like cellulose nitrate or even cellulose itself were found to exhibit UCST . Moreover, phase transitions have been observed for cellulose derivatives mixed or grafted with other polymers . Xanthan gums were found to be a UCST polymer as well .…”