NCC (nanocrystalline cellulose) is an acronym that can be used interchangeably with CNC (cellulose nanocrystals) to identify a type of cellulose nanomaterial that is produced by chemically breaking down various types of cellulose fibers into crystalline nanoparticles. Although the names are interchangeable, CNC (cellulose nanocrystals) is the official appellation since it follows the IUPAC and ISO nomenclature guidelines.

Although not frequently used, cellulose nanowhiskers and cellulose nanorods are other terms for cellulose nanocrystals. Their names come from the fact that cellulose nanocrystals have needle-like shapes and high aspect ratios. Other alternative names for cellulose nanocrystals include cellulose crystallites or nanocrystallites and cellulose microcrystals.

Yes! CelluForce offers free samples of CelluRods^® in different product grades. Visit our product page to learn more about our product grades.

Cellulose nanocrystals have many applications in various fields, including agriculture, packaging, cosmetics, and paints and coatings. They can be modified to meet specifications required to enhance existing products or to generate completely new applications that were previously thought improbable.

Here are some examples of possible applications:

• Drilling fluid additives
• Additives for adhesives
• Paper coatings and strength additives
• Concrete additives and admixtures
• Biodegradable additives for plastics
• Additives for paints and coatings
• Personal care additives
• Medical biomaterials
• Texturizers for food and beverage
• Industrial lubricant additives
• Fertilizer additives
• Additives for rubber

Cellulose nanocrystals are produced from various types of cellulose fibers using chemicals to break down their structure into rigid crystalline nanoparticles (rice-like morphology). Cellulose nanofibrils (also called nanofibrillated cellulose, cellulose nanofibers, microfibrillated cellulose, or cellulose microfibrils) are produced using mechanical and/or enzymatic treatment and have a more flexible fibrous structure (spaghetti-like morphology) which contains both the amorphous and crystalline regions of the cellulose polymer chains. Cellulose nanofibrils may contain residual lignin, hemicellulose, and other plant-based impurities depending on the source and extraction process, leading to a lower overall purity compared to cellulose nanocrystals.

Nanocellulose offers several important advantages over traditional cellulose due to its nanoscale dimensions and unique properties. It exhibits exceptional mechanical strength, with a high Young’s modulus and tensile strength, while maintaining a low density. This combination makes cellulose nanocrystals an ideal reinforcing material in composites, significantly improving mechanical properties even at low filler loadings.

Moreover, cellulose nanocrystals feature a very high specific surface area, improved thermal stability, and excellent optical properties, including transparency. Nanocellulose also demonstrates self-assembly and barrier properties and tunable surface chemistry, allowing for versatile functionalization and adaptability across diverse industries. Like cellulose, nanocellulose’s biocompatibility, biodegradability, and renewable nature makes it an attractive option for various applications, from biomedical uses to sustainable packaging.

Nanocellulose is a natural and renewable material derived from cellulose, which is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth and a major component of plant cell walls. As a biomass-derived material, nanocrystalline cellulose is a sustainable material composed of 100% bio-based carbon. It’s also incredibly versatile – it’s strong yet lightweight, biodegradable, and safe for use with living tissue.

Nanocellulose and nanocrystalline cellulose show significant potential as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. They possess desirable properties such as biodegradability, low density, non-toxicity, high mechanical strength, and thermal stability.

Moreover, the ability to tailor nanocrystalline cellulose’s properties and its potential for use in multiple industries make it a promising candidate for replacing petroleum-based plastics with bio-based plastics by improving their properties and performance, with the added benefits of reducing CO₂ emissions and addressing environmental concerns associated with traditional plastic production and waste.

The cost of nanocellulose varies based on production scale and application. Small-scale or specialized production can increase prices, but as demand grows, costs continue to drop. Nanocellulose is typically used at very low loadings in other materials (e.g., < 1%), reducing the overall cost, as smaller quantities are needed to achieve desired properties and performance. For many applications, nanocrystalline cellulose’s unique properties justify its price, offering value that outweighs the initial investment.

Nanocrystalline cellulose has a higher tensile strength and stiffness compared to Kevlar, making it an exceptional material for various reinforcement applications. Cellulose nanocrystals also outperform carbon fiber in terms of tensile strength.