Cellulose Nanocrystals are a class of biological nanomaterials that are derived from cellulose –the most widely found in nature. Cellulose is present in a wide variety of living species, such as plants algae, fungi, bacteria, and some sea animals such as tunicates. Being a biodegradable, biocompatible and renewable natural polymer, cellulose had held the interest of researchers as an alternative to non-degradable fossil fuel-based polymers.

Extreme strength, lightweight, and elasticity are just a few of its properties that make it an ideal alternative to Kevlar used in ballistic vests and combat helmets for the military. Cellulose nanocrystals are transparent which make them perfect for protective eyewear, displays, and windows.

However, researchers are limited to academic research because it is difficult to accurately predict the properties of nanocomposite materials. An assistant professor of mechanical, civil and environmental engineering from a reputed university puts this difficulty into perspective. He says, “It’s is easier said than done to make the theoretical properties come into being in the experiments. Researchers who work with composite materials and nano-cellulose will eventually find out that they are falling short of theory.” One of the Ph.D. candidates of the Ketan Lab said that “The primary hold-up or disadvantage is that the characteristics they exhibit are declining from the optimal performance expectations they have which are where our research comes in.”

A team of dedicated researchers is tirelessly working towards revolutionizing the polymer industry by taking the materials by design approach to developing nanocomposites from cellulose. They have developed a computational framework that explains why the experiments are not producing the desired material. This framework offers possible solutions to eliminating the shortcomings specifically by modifying the surface chemistry of the cellulose nanocrystals.

CNCs currently available in the market are extracted directly from wood pulp, a by-product of the paper industry. Found within cell walls of wood they are accessible and relatively easy to extract. Nanocrystals are an ideal additive for nanocomposites –which are materials where a synthetic polymer is embedded with nanoscale filler particles. Synthetic fillers such as silica, clay or carbon are commonly used in nanocomposites. These nanocomposites are often used in the manufacturing of a range of products such as tires and biomaterials. All these factors contribute to the growth of the nanocomposites global market. To grasp the dynamics of the nanocomposites market scenario, read through the comprehensive market research reports by Market Krystal.

Their cost efficiency, strength, renewability, non-toxicity and natural availability make them an ideal candidate to replace their currently used synthetic counterparts. However, problems arise when they are combined with the polymer matrix. Research workers are yet to understand how the amount of filler affects the composites overall characteristics. As per a team of researchers, the key lies in strategically designed parameters aimed towards developing materials with a specific property.