Fundamental aspects of nanocellulose stabilized Pickering emulsions and foams

Abstract

Nanocelluloses in recent years have garnered a lot of attention for their use as stabilizers of liquid-liquid and gas-liquid interfaces. Both cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) have been used extensively in multiple studies to prepare emulsions and foams. However, there is limited literature available that systematically discusses the mechanisms that affect the ability of nanocelluloses (modified and unmodified) to stabilize different types of interfaces. This review briefly discusses key factors that affect the stability of Pickering emulsions and foams and provides a detailed and systematic analysis of the current state knowledge on factors affecting the stabilization of liquid-liquid and gas-liquid interfaces by nanocelluloses. The review also discusses the effect of nanocellulose surface modifications on mechanisms driving the Pickering stabilization of these interfaces.

Keywords: Intermolecular forces; Nanocellulose; Rheology; Stabilization mechanisms; Wettability.