Cellulose Nanocrystal Synthesis: A Mini Review

Cellulose nanocrystals extracted from cellulose rich resources show significant properties such as low density, high mechanical strength, low thermal expansion, unique rheological properties, resilience, high crystalline nature, excellent thermal conductivity, transparency, biocompatibility, biodegradability and renewability. CNCs have the potential to replace traditional petrochemical and non-biodegradable polymer materials. They areanisotropic reinforcing agents and by incorporating into polymers, high-performance polymer nanocomposites achieved. CNC can be produced from plant stem, bacterial cellulose and wood pulp by mechanical or chemical treatments. Acid hydrolysis is currently the most common method for CNC preparation. This short review will narrate CNC preparation basically based on acid hydrolysis method, adapted from most recent published original papers