Journal
CHEMPHYSCHEM
Volume 15, Issue 7, Pages 1477-1484Publisher
WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH
DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201400062
Keywords
film growth; helical structures; liquid crystals; nanocrystalline cellulose; optical properties
Funding
- STINT (Sweden)
- National Research Foundation (Korea) [490-20110031]
- Wallenberg Wood Science Center
- Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation
- National Research Foundation of Korea [21A20130000016] Funding Source: Korea Institute of Science & Technology Information (KISTI), National Science & Technology Information Service (NTIS)
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The intrinsic ability of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to self-organize into films and bulk materials with helical order in a cholesteric liquid crystal is scientifically intriguing and potentially important for the production of renewable multifunctional materials with attractive optical properties. A major obstacle, however, has been the lack of control of helix direction, which results in a defect-rich, mosaic-like domain structure. Herein, a method for guiding the helix during film formation is introduced, which yields dramatically improved uniformity, as confirmed by using polarizing optical and scanning electron microscopy. By raising the CNC concentration in the initial suspension to the fully liquid crystalline range, a vertical helix orientation is promoted, as directed by the macroscopic phase boundaries. Further control of the helix orientation is achieved by subjecting the suspension to a circular shear flow during drying.
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