Drying cellulose nanocrystal suspensions

Published: 2013

Author(s):
Peng, Y.
Gardner, D. J.
Han, Y.
Cai, Z.
Tshabalala, M.

Publication Name: Production and Applications of Cellulose Nanomaterials

Publication URL: https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/documnts/pdf2013/fpl_2013_peng003.pdf

Research Area:
Keywords:
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Abstract:

Drying cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) while maintaining their nanoscale dimensions is a major chal- lenge for uses which require a dry form of the material. Three methods were examined here to dry CNC suspen- sions: (1) air drying, (2) freeze drying (FD), and (3) spray-drying (SD). The effect of drying methods on the morphology, thermostability, and surface energy of CNCs was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, ther- mogravimetric analysis, and inverse gas chromatogra- phy. Air-drying formed solidly packed CNCs. FD formed ribbon-like structures of CNCs with nanoscale thickness- es. SD formed particles with a size distribution ranging from nanometers to several microns. Freeze-dried CNCs had a lower dispersion component of surface energy than air-dried and spray-dried CNCs. The drying methods do not significantly affect the onset temperatures of thermal degradation of CNCs. Spray-drying is proposed as a technically suitable manufacturing process to dry CNC suspensions.