Crystalline nanocellulose/lauric arginate complexes.

As a novel sustainable nanomaterial, crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) possesses many unique characteristics for emerging applications in coatings, emulsions, paints, pharmaceutical formulations, and other aqueous composite systems where interactions with oppositely charged surfactants are commonly employed. Herein, the binding interactions between sulfated CNC and a novel biologically-derived cationic surfactant lauric arginate (LAE) were comprehensively examined. Ionic strength and solution pH are two crucial factors in determining the adsorption of LAE to the CNC surface. Three different driving forces were identified for CNC-LAE binding interactions. Additionally, it was found that the adsorption of LAE to the CNC surface could notably impact the surface potential, aggregation state, hydrophobicity and thermal stability of the CNC. This work provides insights on the binding interactions between oppositely charged CNC and surfactants, and highlights the significance of optimizing the concentration of surfactant required to ionically decorate CNC for its enhanced dispersion and compatibilization in non-polar polymer matrices.