TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils; probing the mechanisms of gelation via Small Angle X-Ray Scattering

Julien Schmitt, Vincenzo Calabrese, Marcelo A. Da Silva, Saskia Lindhoud, Viveka Alfredsson, Janet L Scott, Karen J Edler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

The structure of dispersions of TEMPO-oxidised cellulose nanofibrils (OCNF), at various concentrations, in water and in NaCl aqueous solutions, was probed using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). OCNF are modelled as rod-like particles with an elliptical cross-section of 10 nm and a length greater than 100 nm. As OCNF concentration increases above 1.5 wt%, repulsive interactions between fibrils are evidenced, modelled by the interaction parameter ν RPA > 0. This corresponds to gel-like behaviour, where G′ > G′′ and the storage modulus, G′, shows weak frequency dependence. Hydrogels can also be formed at OCNF concentration of 1 wt% in 0.1 M NaCl(aq). SAXS patterns shows an increase of the intensity at low angle that is modelled by attractive interactions (ν RPA < 0) between OCNF, arising from the screening of the surface charge of the fibrils. Results are supported by ζ potential and cryo-TEM measurements.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)16012-16020
Number of pages9
JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics
Volume20
Issue number23
Early online date24 May 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Jun 2018

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

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