Epoxy-Cellulose nanocrystals composites with cholesteric sturcture

This study presents an chemical modification of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to generate chiral nematic CNC-epoxy composites. The surface of CNC was decorated with epoxide groups via reaction with epichlorohydrin (EPH). With increased hydrophobicity of the surface, CNC mixture was well-blended with butanediol. The CNC/epoxy hybrid films retain the photonic characteristics of the CNCs host. The effect of epoxy concentration on the structure, optical properties, and mechanical properties were examined within this study. The method of modification and the unique properties of the modified CNC (hydrophobicity, crystallinity, reinforcing ability, and optical activity) render them a novel bionanomaterial for a range of multipurpose applications.