Polysaccharides and “imogolite” (a natural aluminum silicate nanoclay) were used as building blocks to prepare environmentally benign (organic/inorganic) hybrid materials of natural origin. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), cellulose fibers (CFs), and sacran were employed as polysaccharides. By utilizing oppositely charged organic and inorganic components, polysaccharide/imogolite hybrids were prepared by spin-assisted layer-by-layer assembly and solution blending. The fine dispersion and attractive interactions of imogolite with polysaccharides afforded hybrids with improved physicochemical properties.
- Yuji Higaki
- Atsushi Takahara