Materials chemistry and the futurist eco-friendly applications of nanocellulose: Status and prospect

Cellulose, a linear biopolymer, is present naturally in all plants. Apart from being the planet’s predominant natural polymer, it also offers a variety of features including excellent biocompatibility, lower density, substantial strength and the most beneficial mechanical characteristics, inexpensive in cost. Applying the mechanical or chemical techniques, cellulosic materials are transformed into cellulose nanofibres (CNFs) and even cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). These CNFs and CNCs exhibit excellent capabilities in comparison with native cellulose fibre. Nowadays, nanocellulose is being used in a variety of practical applications such as product packaging, papers as well as paperboard, food sector, healthcare, hygiene products, paints, skin care products and sensors. The current review article summarizes the cellulose, processing methods for nanocellulose, techniques used for chemical modification of cellulose surface and consequently its application as reinforcement in polymeric materials. This article also provides a comprehensive discussion of the historical development in the area of nanocellulose.