Method to control the dispersibility and barrier properties of dried nanocrystalline cellulose in solutions of different pH and ionic strength
US8901290B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 10, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/1348
- WIPO fieldMacromolecular chemistry, polymers
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A new method to control the dispersibility of dried nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) by controlling solution pH and ionic strength is provided; when stable, non-reswellable acid-form NCC (H-NCC) films are placed in concentrated sodium hydroxide solutions, they swell but do not disperse; while sodium-form NCC (Na-NCC) or other NCC films having neutral monovalent counterions readily disperse in pure water, Na-NCC films placed in hydrochloric acid and sodium chloride as well as sodium hydroxide solutions of sufficient ionic strength swell, but do not disperse; similar properties are observed for freeze-dried NCC products. The dispersibility of these NCC films is a function of the ionic strength and the identity of the electrolyte solutions to which they are exposed. NCC films are envisaged that have barrier properties in an electrolyte solution but that disintegrate or disperse when rinsed with pure water at the end of their useful lifespan.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.