Zelulosa-nanokristaletan oinarritutako material nanokonposatuak

Abstract

Nowadays, most of the commonly used polymers are derived from petrochemical resources, representing serious environmental issues due their non-biodegradability. In this framework, governments and different industrial sectors are stablishing regulations and standards towards a transition to a green economy and for the prospective development of environmentally sustainable products. As a consequence, the interest on biodegradable polymers is rapidly increasing. Among the different kind of biodegradable polymers, cellulose derived ones represent an outstanding opportunity due to their natural origin, their abundance in nature and their special properties. Eventhough cellulose and its characteristics are well known, currently cellulose derived nanoscale materials are being thoroughly studied due to the extraordinary properties that these materials are showing. Different types of nanocellulose could be synthesize, such as cellulose nanofibers (CNF), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). Each nanocellulose type has their particular features, unusual properties, a wide range of application fields and thus an extraordinary future is expected for these materials. In this line, according not only to the application and considering the internal structure distribution, nanocellulose could be obtained into different shapes, such as hydrogels, aerogels or films. Particularly, nanocellulose based aerogels are providing extraordinary results owing to the low weight and density, high porosity and good mechanical properties, among other unusual properties. Combining these properties with the biocompatibility, non toxicity and biodegradability, nanocellulose represents a good chance to achieve fabulous materials with great functionalization and customization possibilities. As a consequence of this customization posibilities and these great properties, nanocellulose and nanocellulose based materials are being used in environment, energy, bio-health, packaging and food industry or transport sector among other aplication fields.