Matthew Sember and Landon Faris, “Optimal Fabrication Methods of Cellulose Nanocrystal Composite Films with Elastic Modification”
Mentor: Chiu Law, Electrical Engineering, Engineering & Applied Science (College of)
Poster #127
Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are a material derived from cellulose; a material abundant in nature. CNCs are characterized by their helical microstructures that exhibit useful optical properties. Through evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA), a brittle film with uniform alignment is created. Different adjustments to the procedure create films with optical properties that are modified with physical strain or an applied magnetic field. With these changes, the film is amendable by external modulations that enable applications in sensors and devices. For magnetic alignment, the enclosure space is small, requiring a smaller container. Consequently, issues arise with composite production. Optimizing the evaporation container, composite size, and evaporation time can create a CNC film with more desirable optical properties. To further enhance the magnetic properties of the CNC, we have added a salt to the solution before EISA to enhance chiral alignment using the ionic nature of salt dissolved in solution. To add to the uses of CNC nanomaterials, we plan to make the films elastic by chemically modifying them to allow the film to change color in response to applied stress. Produced elastic films showed the optical properties of CNC films and changed color from blue to red under physical stress. Modifying the conditions under which the films are aligned during EISA aids in producing higher quality films that can be reduced in size for fabrication. The application of elastic films allows for an electrical or mechanical actuation or sensing with the optical response of the material as the indicator while enabling easier coupling with electronic systems.