High-value Applications of Nanocellulose

Nanocelluloses, obtained from the biopolymer cellulose, are a class of renewable functional nanomaterials with excellent properties and a broad range of applications. This review mainly illustrates practical and advanced applications of nanocellulose-based materials in the following categories. ① Fire-resistant materials: in the section on these types of materials, the fireprotection property of nanocellulose/clay hybrid composites (clay nanopaper) is illustrated; oriented montmorillonite (MTM) provides barrier properties and low thermal conductivity whereas cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) impart favorable charring. ② Thermal insulation materials: the best way to obtain materials with good heat insulation performance is to decrease the thermal conductivity of such materials. ③ Template materials: nanocellulose can direct the deposition and patterning of materials to form nanoparticles, nanowires, or nanotubes with improved properties.