Journal of Renewable Materials 

About: Journal of Renewable Materials is an academic journal published by Computers, Materials and Continua (Tech Science Press). The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Chemistry & Engineering. It has an ISSN identifier of 2164-6325. Over the lifetime, 942 publications have been published receiving 6136 citations. The journal is also known as: JRM.

Cellulose Nanofibrils: From Strong Materials to Bioactive Surfaces

Abstract: Cellulose nanofi brils (CNF), also known as nanofi brillar cellulose (NFC), are an advanced biomaterial made mainly from renewable forest and agricultural resources that have demonstrated exceptional performance in composites. In addition, they have been utilized in barrier coatings, food, transparent fl exible fi lms and other applications. Research on CNF has advanced rapidly over the last decade and several of the fundamental questions about production and characterization of CNF have been addressed. An interesting shift in focus in the recent reported literature indicates increased efforts aimed at taking advantage of the unique properties of CNF. This includes its nanoscale dimensions, high surface area, unique morphology, low density and mechanical strength. In addition, CNF can be easily (chemically) modified and is readily available, renewable, and biodegradable. These facts are expected to materialize in a more widespread use of CNF. However, there is no clear indication of the most promising avenues for CNF deployment in commercial products. This review attempts to illustrate some exciting opportunities for CNF, specifi cally, in the development of aerogels, composites, bioactive materials and inorganic/organic hybrid materials.

Nanocellulose-enabled electronics, energy harvesting devices, smart materials and sensors: a review

Abstract: Cellulose nanomaterials have a number of interesting and unique properties that make them well-suited for use in electronics applications such as energy harvesting devices, actuators and sensors. Cellulose nanofibrils and nanocrystals have good mechanical properties, high transparency, and low coefficient of thermal expansion, among other properties that facilitate both active and inactive roles in electronics and related devices. For example, these nanomaterials have been demonstrated to operate as substrates for flexible electronics and displays, to improve the efficiency of photovoltaics, to work as a component of magnetostrictive composites and to act as a suitable lithium ion battery separator membrane. A discussion and overview of additional potential applications and of previously published research using cellulose nanomaterials for these advanced applications is provided in this article. The concept of using cellulose nanofibrils in stimuli-responsive materials is illustrated with highlights of preliminary results from magnetostrictive nanocellulose membranes actuated using magnetic fields.

Nanocellulose in spun continuous fibers: A review and future outlook

Abstract: Continuous fibers are commonly manufactured for a wide variety of uses such as filters, textiles, and composites. For example, most fibrous reinforcements (e.g., carbon fiber, glass fiber) for advanced composites are continuous fibers or yarns, fabrics, and preforms made from them. This allows broad flexibility in design and manufacturing approaches by controlling fiber orientation and architecture. However, there has been growing interest in preparing continuous fibers from biobased materials such as plants. Of particular recent interest are nanocelluloses, which are projected to be less expensive than many other nanomaterials and have the potential to be produced in large volumes. They also have an impressive strength-to-weight ratio and have so far shown few environmental, health, and safety concerns in their unmodified state. However, efficient and effective use of nanocellulose in continuous fibers is challenging and a variety of approaches have been explored in which nanocellulose dispersions are either spun directly or in combination with polymers. Methods such as wet spinning, dry spinning, melt spinning, and electrospinning have been investigated. To better understand the body of knowledge of this new and growing area, various approaches are reviewed and a perspective on what the future holds is provided.