This invention relates generally to covalently crosslinked colloidal cellulose nanocrystals (xCNC) and methods of preparation and use thereof. The colloidal cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are covalently crosslinked in aqueous suspension to generate a network showing tunable physicochemical properties. The xCNC structures are tunable in terms of their physicochemical properties and arrangement within the hydrogel network. The covalent crosslinking of solitary sulfonated (—OSO.sub.3) CNCs can be accomplished without prior hydroxyl replacement or functionalization.

This invention relates generally to covalently crosslinked colloidal cellulose nanocrystals (xCNC) and methods of preparation and use thereof. The colloidal cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are covalently crosslinked in aqueous suspension to generate a network showing tunable physicochemical properties. The xCNC structures are tunable in terms of their physicochemical properties and arrangement within the hydrogel network. The covalent crosslinking of solitary sulfonated (—OSO.sub.3) CNCs can be accomplished without prior hydroxyl replacement or functionalization.

The present disclosure describes protein-based resin compositions. In particular, the compositions employ methacrylated or acrylated protein, a strengthening agent, a plasticizer, and an initiator. The protein-based resin compositions may be used for making solid articles that are biodegradable and possess a high degree of tensile strength and water resistance. Methods of preparing the biodegradable protein-based plastic articles are also disclosed.

The disclosure provides a composition comprising a modified cellulosic surface having aliphatic fatty acid molecules and amine-silica particles that are covalently bonded to cellulose fibers of the cellulosic surface. Also disclosed is a composition comprising a modified cellulosic surface including low surface energy molecules and amine functionalized nanotubes decorated with silica nanoparticles that are covalently bonded to cellulose fibers of the cellulosic surface. Also disclosed is a process for increasing hydrophobicity of a cellulosic surface. Also disclosed is a process for increasing hydrophobicity and surface roughness of a cellulosic surface. Also disclosed are products comprising the compositions and modified cellulosic surfaces of the present invention.

The disclosure provides a composition comprising a modified cellulosic surface having aliphatic fatty acid molecules and amine-silica particles that are covalently bonded to cellulose fibers of the cellulosic surface. Also disclosed is a composition comprising a modified cellulosic surface including low surface energy molecules and amine functionalized nanotubes decorated with silica nanoparticles that are covalently bonded to cellulose fibers of the cellulosic surface. Also disclosed is a process for increasing hydrophobicity of a cellulosic surface. Also disclosed is a process for increasing hydrophobicity and surface roughness of a cellulosic surface. Also disclosed are products comprising the compositions and modified cellulosic surfaces of the present invention.

Disclosed are a composite cellulose nanosheet with excellent transparency and strength and manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method of a composite cellulose nanosheet includes: preparing a dispersion including a cellulose nanofiber and a cellulose nanocrystal; preparing a nanosheet support with the dispersion; contacting the nanosheet support with a crosslinking agent; and placing the nanosheet support that has contacted the crosslinking agent between two sheets of barrier materials such as two sheets of glass plate.

Disclosed are a composite cellulose nanosheet with excellent transparency and strength and manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method of a composite cellulose nanosheet includes: preparing a dispersion including a cellulose nanofiber and a cellulose nanocrystal; preparing a nanosheet support with the dispersion; contacting the nanosheet support with a crosslinking agent; and placing the nanosheet support that has contacted the crosslinking agent between two sheets of barrier materials such as two sheets of glass plate.

Disclosed are a composite cellulose nanosheet with excellent transparency and strength and manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method of a composite cellulose nanosheet includes: preparing a dispersion including a cellulose nanofiber and a cellulose nanocrystal; preparing a nanosheet support with the dispersion; contacting the nanosheet support with a crosslinking agent; and placing the nanosheet support that has contacted the crosslinking agent between two sheets of barrier materials such as two sheets of glass plate.

Disclosed are a composite cellulose nanosheet with excellent transparency and strength and manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method of a composite cellulose nanosheet includes: preparing a dispersion including a cellulose nanofiber and a cellulose nanocrystal; preparing a nanosheet support with the dispersion; contacting the nanosheet support with a crosslinking agent; and placing the nanosheet support that has contacted the crosslinking agent between two sheets of barrier materials such as two sheets of glass plate.

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing at least one layer of a film wherein the method comprises the steps of; providing a first suspension comprising microfibrillated cellulose, providing a second suspension comprising microfibrillated dialdehyde cellulose, mixing the first suspension with the second suspension to form a mixture, applying said mixture to a substrate to form a fibrous web and drying said web to form at least one layer of said film. The present invention further relates to a film comprising said at least one layer.