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Analysis of cellulose nanocrystal rod lengths by dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy

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Abstract

A method to characterize the length (L) of rod-like cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) particles is described. It is based on dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electron microscopy. Measurement of translational diffusion coefficient from DLS along with diameter measurements from electron microscopy is used in Broersma translational diffusion coefficient equation to calculate the CNC particle L. For wood based CNC rods, diameter of 15 nm measured by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and translational diffusion coefficient of 5.21 × 10−12 m2/s measured by DLS give particle L of 271 nm from Broersma’s relation. This one and other calculated L values for various rod-like particles are in good agreement with the L of the particles measured either by transmission or SEM.

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Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the financial support from the Alberta Innovates-Bio Solutions and Arboranano Canadian Forest Nanoproducts Network.

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  1. Christophe Danumah

    Present address: Alberta Innovates Technology Futures, Edmonton, AB, Canada

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Yaman Boluk

  2. National Institute for Nanotechnology, National Research Council of Canada, Edmonton, AB, Canada

    Yaman Boluk & Christophe Danumah

Authors
  1. Yaman Boluk
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  2. Christophe Danumah
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Correspondence to Yaman Boluk.

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Boluk, Y., Danumah, C. Analysis of cellulose nanocrystal rod lengths by dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy. J Nanopart Res 16, 2174 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-013-2174-4

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