Crystallinity and Thermal Stability of Nanocellulose

This chapter summarizes the crystallinity and thermal degradation behaviour of nanocellulose obtained from various sources. Among other characteristics, crystallinity has a crucial effect on the physical, mechanical and chemical properties of cellulose. X-ray diffraction is a widely used technique to analyse the crystal structure of cellulosic samples. The proportion of crystalline and amorphous domains and the crystallinity index varies, depending on the source and the treatment the cellulose has undergone. Nanocellulose is often regarded as a potential candidate to produce strong natural fibre-reinforced thermoplastic composites. Therefore, thermal stability of nanocellulose is one of the major properties to be considered. The degree of polymerisation and the drying method employed also change the thermal degradation behaviour of the cellulosic materials. The crystal structure of nanocellulose also influences the thermal degradation of the cellulose samples. The presence of impurities might also play a role in determining the thermal degradation of cellulose nanofibre.