Background

There is a growing interest in the development of nanocomposites consisting of organic polymers and various nanomaterials. In general, composites have been used extensively in civil infrastructure applications and their use continues to grow in the new and existing structures via retrofits, rehabilitations, and repairs. The use of nanomaterials is revolutionizing the properties of the existing composites.

Technology

Scientists at Stony Brook University have invented a fast and scalable method of cellulose modification where a fast surface reaction can be performed while nanoparticles remain well separated in a laminar flow of gases. The modification of the chemical particle properties, which can be subsequently tuned by changing the residence time and reaction conditions, will be beneficial for the subsequent incorporation tuned by changing the residence time and reaction conditions, will be beneficial for the subsequent incorporation of cellulose into various polymer matrices to fabricate nanocomposites.

Advantages

Environmentally friendly gas-phase method - Cost-effective - Can revolutionize the manufacturing of nanocomposites

Application

Preparing chemical/surface modified nanocrystalline cellulose.