Dynamics of Hydration of Nanocellulose Films

• DOI: 10.1002/admi.201500415
• Publication Date: 2015-12-28T19:13:46Z
• Authors: Paolo Bettotti; Cecilia Ada Maestri; Romain Guider; Ines Mancini; Einat Nativ‐Roth; Yuval Golan; Marina Scarpa
• Keywords: Nanocellulose

The design of materials capable mechanical responses to physical and chemical stimuli represents one the most exciting challenging areas scientific research because huge number their potential applications. This article is focused on molecular events occurring in thin films carboxylated nanocellulose fibers, which are converting water gradients into movements at macroscopic scale. analysis mechano‐actuation, conditions obtain it, shows that film movement fast reproducible, gradient intensity transduced rate displacement, response observed vapor pressures as low 1.2 mm Hg. actuation mechanism associated an efficient reversible sorption process by hydrophilic fibers interface. Conversely, desorption slow follows a kinetic behavior supporting presence two binding sites for molecules. adsorbed induces swelling surface layers local structural rearrangement, however transitions between ordered random coil conformations not observed. understanding mechanisms offers opportunities structures responding assembly simple components.