ABSTRACT
The development of applications for vegetable nanocellulose as a biobased food packaging material depends, among other factors, on understanding the structure-property relationships of such hierarchical systems. Nanocellulose is a nanomaterial that is isolated from plant or vegetable sources, for instance, natural fibres, wood or cotton. The optical properties of nanocellulose films are studied by the determination of the light transmittance using a UV-visible spectrometer in the wavelength range of 200–1000 nm. The mechanical properties of nanocellulose depend on the vegetable source and isolation process. A strong network of nanocellulose fibrils with a spiral shape that was formed through the defibrillation process can be observed in the image. The hydrophilic nature of nanocellulose can induce a dimensional instability and reduce the mechanical properties of the composites. A porous network of nanocellulose from wood pulp was impregnated by liquid low molar mass polyphenol formaldehyde precursors, and the liquid was polymerized.
