Chapter 7. Morphological Analysis of CNP-based Advanced Materials

Cellulose nanoparticle-based advanced materials are the most sustainable and renewable materials of the future with potential to replace the currently used synthetic materials. Due to their morphology and characteristic properties like stiffness, non-toxicity, low thermal coefficient, transparency, and improved mechanical properties, cellulose nanoparticles have attracted a great deal of attention for use in advanced materials. Cellulose has limited functionalities in smart materials and structures, however the three-dimensional hierarchical structure of cellulose that contains cellulose nanofibers or nanoparticles has broadened its opportunities in various applications such as filter material, high gas barrier packaging material, electronic devices, foods, medicine, cosmetics, etc. The present chapter aims to investigate the morphological analysis of cellulose nanoparticles, including cellulose nanofibers and cellulose nanocrystals.