Abstract: A High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) foam having cellulose nanoparticles.

Abstract: A High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) foam having cellulose nanoparticles.

Abstract: A process for the isolation of cellulose nanofibers, in particular carboxylic acid functionalized cellulose nanofibers (MxG-CNF-CO2H) from the sustainable grass hybrid Miscanthus x. giganteus (MxG). The process includes the steps of performing bleach treatment on a quantity of MxG followed by ammonium persulfate oxidation. The resulting MxG-CNF-CO2Hs have good dispersibility in aqueous and polar organic solvents. They are also able to form gels at relatively low concentrations. The MxG-CNF-CO2H show significantly higher reinforcement effect when compared to carboxylic acid functionalized cellulose nanocrystals at the same weight percent in a composite composition.

Abstract: Nano-emulsions and nano-latexes comprising functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as a surfactant that impacts the stability and size of the emulsion droplets of oil-in water emulsions. Stable emulsions can be accessed by adding a desired organic, non-water soluble molecule as the oil phase to an aqueous CNC suspension followed by agitation. Depending on the functionalization of the CNCs, their hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance can be modified, which allows the ability to control the stability and droplet size of the emulsion. Methods for producing nano-emulsions and nano-latexes, when the oil phase contains a polymerizable monomer, are disclosed.

Abstract: A dynamic cross-linked polymer nanocomposite adhesive has been developed by the oxidation of a thiol functionalized semi-crystalline and/or amorphous oligomer and thiol functionalized Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCs) to form a polydisulfide network. The resulting solid material has a melting point transition at ca. 75° C. which corresponds to the melting of the semi-crystalline and/or amorphous phase of the nanocomposite adhesive. At higher temperatures (ca. 150° C.), results in the dynamic behavior of the disulfide bond being induced, where the bonds break and reform. Two levels of adhesion are obtained, in some embodiment by (1) heating the adhesive material to 80° C. (melting the semi-crystalline and/or amorphous phase) resulting in a lower modulus/viscosity of the adhesive, thus allowing better surface wetting on a substrate and (2) heating the adhesive material to 150° C.

Abstract: Nano-emulsions and nano-latexes comprising functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as a surfactant that impacts the stability and size of the emulsion droplets of oil-in water emulsions. Stable emulsions can be accessed by adding a desired organic, non-water soluble molecule as the oil phase to an aqueous CNC suspension followed by agitation. Depending on the functionalization of the CNCs, their hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance can be modified, which allows the ability to control the stability and droplet size of the emulsion. Methods for producing nano-emulsions and nano-latexes, when the oil phase contains a polymerizable monomer, are disclosed.

Abstract: A High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) foam having cellulose nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method for producing a High Internal Phase Emulsion foam is provided that comprises forming a first High Internal Phase Emulsion from an oil phase comprising monomer, crosslinking agent, emulsifier; and an aqueous phase. The High Internal Phase Emulsion is pumped into a water bath. The High Internal Phase Emulsion cures in the bath.

Abstract: Polymer nanocomposites exhibit a reversible change in stiffness and strength in response to a stimulus. The polymer nanocomposites include a matrix polymer with a comparably low modulus and strength and nanoparticles that have a comparably high modulus and strength. The particle-particle interactions are switched by the stimulus, to change the overall material's mechanical properties. In a preferred embodiment, a chemical regulator is used to facilitate changes of the mechanical properties. Methods for inducing modulus changes in polymer nanocomposites are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing a High Internal Phase Emulsion foam is provided that comprises forming a first High Internal Phase Emulsion from an oil phase comprising monomer, crosslinking agent, emulsifier; and an aqueous phase. The High Internal Phase Emulsion is pumped into a water bath. The High Internal Phase Emulsion cures in the bath.

Abstract: Polymer nanocomposites exhibit a reversible change in stiffness and strength in response to a stimulus. The polymer nanocomposites include a matrix polymer with a comparably low modulus and strength and nanoparticles that have a comparably high modulus and strength. The particle-particle interactions are switched by the stimulus, to change the overall material's mechanical properties. In a preferred embodiment, a chemical regulator Is used to facilitate changes of the mechanical properties. Methods for inducing modulus changes in polymer nanocomposites are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polymer nanocomposites exhibit a reversible change in stiffness and strength in response to a stimulus. The polymer nanocomposites include a matrix polymer with a comparably low modulus and strength and nanoparticles that have a comparably high modulus and strength. The particle-particle interactions are switched by the stimulus, to change the overall material's mechanical properties. In a preferred embodiment, a chemical regulator is used to facilitate changes of the mechanical properties. Methods for inducing modulus changes in polymer nanocomposites are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polymer nanocomposites exhibit a reversible change in stiffness and strength in response to a stimulus. The polymer nanocomposites include a matrix polymer with a comparably low modulus and strength and nanoparticles that have a comparably high modulus and strength. The particle-particle interactions are switched by the stimulus, to change the overall material's mechanical properties. In a preferred embodiment, a chemical regulator is used to facilitate changes of the mechanical properties. Methods for inducing modulus changes in polymer nanocomposites are also disclosed.