Nanocellulose Fibers and Crystals as Emulsifying Agents

Abstract

[Abstract]: The most prevalent biopolymer on Earth is cellulose. Plants and trees are the primary sources of cellulose used in industry. Different sizes of cellulose can be extracted, depending on the intended purpose. Micro and nanocellulose are the two types of cellulose that are most frequently used in industrial settings. Most studies distinguish between three primary forms of nanocellulose: bacterial nanocellulose, cellulose nanofibers, and cellulose nanocrystals. Numerous researchers have extensively employed two of them, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and nanocrystals (CNC), as emulsifiers. These nanoparticles can be used as emulsifiers, either molecularly dissolved or not (Pickering emulsions). Usually, oil in water (o/w) emulsions are stabilized by unmodified, while water in oil (w/o) emulsions or multiple emulsions are stabilized by modified nanocelluloses. Most researchers and industrial applications use nanocellulose particles as food industry emulsion stabilizers. Nevertheless, their application in construction materials remains relatively scarce to date. In this regard, nanocellulose is currently employed in the construction sector as an emulsion stabilizer for manufacturing bituminous emulsions and forming Pickering emulsion systems stabilized by nanocellulose to be used as templates to create nanocomposite foams. Because cellulose is widely available, environmentally friendly, and has shown previous successful applications, using it as an emulsifying agent for bio-materials in the construction industry is an alternative with great development potential. In particular, exploring the potential of using waste biomass as a source of nanocellulose for bio-based materials is highly interesting.