The hydrogen peroxide-treated sample shows sharper and more intense peaks, suggesting a higher degree of crystallinity compared with the untreated sample.
Invention Summary:
Cellulose is a semicrystalline biopolymer whose crystallinity, crystal size, and polymorphic structure critically determine its mechanical and functional properties in fibers and biocomposites. However, precise control over these structural parameters remains challenging due to strong hydrogen bonding and limited accessibility of ordered domains. Conventional modification methods, such as acid hydrolysis and chemical regeneration, often lack tunability, introduce impurities, or degrade polymer integrity, resulting in inconsistent material performance and limited integration into scalable manufacturing processes.
Rutgers researchers and Rowan University collaborators have developed an innovative process that uses ionic liquids and hydrogen peroxide coagulation to modulate the crystallinity and crystal size of cellulose, enabling the production of stronger biocomposite films. By adjusting the hydrogen peroxide concentration, the method allows precise tuning of cellulose properties without introducing contaminants, generating only water and oxygen as by-products. This environmentally friendly technique is applicable to a wide range of natural materials and can be readily integrated into existing cellulose hydrolysis or Lyocell processes.
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Intellectual Property & Development Status: Issued U.S. Patent: 12,018,099, Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships contact marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu.