POLY 477 |
| Cellulose is the most abundant form of living terrestrial biomass, and it has a host of important properties including structural hierarchy at the nanoscale. Nanosized crystallites embedded in amorphous cellulosic material can be isolated by acid hydrolysis and possess physical properties desirable for use as reinforcement in polymers. In order to investigate different preparation techniques or to establish structure – property relationships for composite materials, knowledge about the whisker dimensions is essential. Generally, electron microscopy techniques are employed which are laborious, particularly for statistically meaningful sampling. Also, the effects of drying prior to sample on the extent of aggregation are unclear. In this study, we explore multi-angle-laser-light scattering for size determination of the nanowhiskers. This simple, non-destructive technique is well established for particle characterization and allows assessment of the bulk sample. The applied theory and its limitations are discussed, and experimental results are compared to images obtained using electron microscopy techniques. |
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Polymers from Renewable Resources
6:00 PM-8:00 PM, Tuesday, August 21, 2007 BCEC -- Exhibit Hall - B2, Poster
Sci-Mix
Division of Polymer Chemistry |