Research progress on hydrophobicity modification and functional application of nanocellulose
As a kind of biomass materials,nanocellulose displays excellent properties,such as high specific surface area and high mechanical strength.There are many hydroxyl groups on its surface,resulting in strong hydrophilicity,which seriously affects the dispersion effect of nanocellulose in bio-based composites and limits its functional applications.Therefore,hydrophobicity modification of nanocellulose has become one of the research focuses.The hydrophobicity modification of nanocellulose via physical,chemical and polymer grafting methods were discussed,and the mechanisms,advantages and disadvantages of different methods were summarized.The effects of hydrophobicity modification of nanocellulose on mechanical properties,thermal properties and biocompatibility were analyzed.After that,this paper summarized the research status of hydrophobicity modification of nanocellulose and its functional application in packaging,papermaking and water purification,which can provide theoretical strategy and practical guide to the effective use of nanocellulose.Finally,the advantages and future prospects of hydrophobicity modification on nanocellulose were proposed.