Relationship between microstructure and macroscopic properties of materials formed by nanocelluloses and self-assembled surfactant aggregates

• Grant number: 21/13195-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: April 01, 2022
• End date: December 03, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Watson Loh
• Grantee: Carla Manuela Sganzerla Sabino
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 15/25406-5 - Organizing matter: colloids formed by association of surfactants, polymers and nanoparticles, AP.TEM
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/06709-6 - Impact of Cellulose Additives on the Macro- and Nanotribology of Surfactant Lamellar Phases, BE.EP.DD

Abstract

Nano-sized structures extracted from cellulose, also called nanocelluloses, have been extensively investigated in recent decades as potential rheological modifiers in different products. Another application is as mechanical property modifiers in polymer blends, in the form of composites. However, its interaction and rheological effects have been barely studied in other organized systems such as those formed by the self-assembly of surfactants. One of the phases formed by the association of surfactants in solution, which is commonly found in cosmetic or pharmaceutical applications, is the lamellar phase. Another important association structure ascribed to its versatility and rheological behavior are the giant micelles, structures with a high aspect ratio that have a diameter in nanometers and a length that can reach micrometers. Finally, structures with different morphologies from those obtained by the association of classical surfactants are formed by the electrostatic complexation between bile salts and oppositely charged polymers. The study of the interaction of these systems with nanocellulose suspensions is interesting not only for contributing to the understanding of the behavior of nanocellulose in suspension, but also for the potential to obtain materials with properties different from those of their precursors. In this regard, this project aims to investigate the interaction of nanocelluloses with the three surfactant self-association systems above, in order to study their interaction and consequent effect on the structure of the aggregates, as well as possible rheological advantages of the hybrid material. (AU)