Multi-type cellulose nanocrystals from sugarcane bagasse and their nanohybrids constructed with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane

This paper reveals the structural variations of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) prepared from sugarcane bagasse (SCB) using different methods and the organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials were constructed with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS). First, pure cellulose was extracted from SCB, and four CNCs were successfully obtained. The huge differences in structure and properties provide a choice for various applications. Subsequently, novel CNC/POSS hybrid nanomaterials were prepared from carboxylated CNC via carbodiimide-assisted coupling chemistry. The morphology and properties of hybrids were investigated in detail. The hybrids exhibit great differences in structure and properties due to the difference in CNC. The incorporation of POSS has improved the thermal performance of the CNC, and the mass ratio has a significant impact on molecular structure. This work provides useful information for the preparation of multi-type CNCs using agricultural and forestry by-products, and the novel CNC/POSS hybrid has opened up new ideas for the application of nanocellulose.