Cellulose nanowhisker foams by freeze casting

Cellulose nanowhisker foams with uniform layer structure were successfully prepared via freeze casting method. Here, we investigate the relationship between freezing rate, slurry concentration and the microstructure of the porous nanowhisker architecture. The results indicate that the above freezing parameters significantly influence the microstructure and morphological features and the structures obtained could have numerous applications, including scaffolds, filters and specifically as a template for dense multilayered composites after infusion with a second phase. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.