CaCO3 mineralization in polymer composites with cellulose nanocrystals providing a chiral nematic mesomorphic structure

Construction of Functional Materials in Various Material Forms from Cellulosic Cholesteric Liquid Crystals

Wide use of bio-based polymers could play a key role in facilitating a more sustainable society because such polymers are renewable and ecofriendly. Cellulose is a representative bio-based polymer and has been used in various materials. To further expand the application of cellulose, it is crucial to develop functional materials utilizing cellulosic physicochemical properties that are acknowledged but insufficiently applied. Cellulose derivatives and cellulose nanocrystals exhibit a cholesteric liquid crystal (ChLC) property based on rigidity and chirality, and this property is promising for constructing next-generation functional materials. The form of such materials is an important factor because material form is closely related with function. To date, researchers have reported cellulosic ChLC materials with a wide range of material forms-such as films, gels, mesoporous materials, and emulsions-for diverse functions. We first briefly review the fundamental aspects of cellulosic ChLCs. Then we comprehensively review research on cellulosic ChLC functional materials in terms of their material forms. Thus, this review provides insights into the creation of novel cellulosic ChLC functional materials based on material form designed toward the expanded application of cellulosics.

Application of Polymers as a Tool in Crystallization-A Review

The application of polymers as a tool in the crystallization process is gaining more and more interest among the scientific community. According to Web of Science statistics the number of papers dealing with “Polymer induced crystallization” increased from 2 in 1990 to 436 in 2020, and for “Polymer controlled crystallization”—from 4 in 1990 to 344 in 2020. This is clear evidence that both topics are vivid, attractive and intensively investigated nowadays. Efficient control of crystallization and crystal properties still represents a bottleneck in the manufacturing of crystalline materials ranging from pigments, antiscalants, nanoporous materials and pharmaceuticals to semiconductor particles. However, a rapid development in precise and reliable measuring methods and techniques would enable one to better describe phenomena involved, to formulate theoretical models, and probably most importantly, to develop practical indications for how to appropriately lead many important processes in the industry. It is clearly visible at the first glance through a number of representative papers in the area, that many of them are preoccupied with the testing and production of pharmaceuticals, while the rest are addressed to new crystalline materials, renewable energy, water and wastewater technology and other branches of industry where the crystallization process takes place. In this work, authors gathered and briefly discuss over 100 papers, published in leading scientific periodicals, devoted to the influence of polymers on crystallizing solutions.

Plant Nanomaterials and Inspiration from Nature: Water Interactions and Hierarchically Structured Hydrogels

Recent developments in the area of plant-based hydrogels are introduced, especially those derived from wood as a widely available, multiscale, and hierarchical source of nanomaterials, as well as other cell wall elements. With water being fundamental in a hydrogel, water interactions, hydration, and swelling, all critically important in designing, processing, and achieving the desired properties of sustainable and functional hydrogels, are highlighted. A plant, by itself, is a form of a hydrogel, at least at given states of development, and for this reason phenomena such as fluid transport, diffusion, capillarity, and ionic effects are examined. These aspects are highly relevant not only to plants, especially lignified tissues, but also to the porous structures produced after removal of water (foams, sponges, cryogels, xerogels, and aerogels). Thus, a useful source of critical and comprehensive information is provided regarding the synthesis of hydrogels from plant materials (and especially wood nanostructures), and about the role of water, not only for processing but for developing hydrogel properties and uses.