Cellulose Nanofibers for Advanced Applications

Two types of cellulose nanofibers, i.e. cellulose nanowhiskers and cellulose fibrils, were used in preparing polymer nanocomposites, electrospun nanofibers, and core-shell carbon fibers. Their effects on solution rheology, composite properties, nanofiber properties and carbon fiber properties were systimatically studied and compared. The two different cellulose nanofibers showed different effects mainly due to their different surface properties and aspect ratios.