Overview
Selected for applications involving chiral nematic self-assembly and evaporation-induced film formation of CNC, this material is suitable for research on photonic crystals, iridescent films, and structural color control. CelluBio provides material selection guidance and preliminary testing recommendations for universities, research institutes, laboratories, and industrial R&D teams.
General information
| Product Name | Cellulose Nanocrystals for Structural Color |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | SC-CNC |
| Surface Functional Groups | –OSO₃H、–OH |
| Product Form | Aqueous Dispersion |
| Raw Material Source | Plant-Derived Cellulose |
| Surface Charge | Anionic |
Specifications
| Appearance | Pure White Liquid |
|---|---|
| Solid Content | 4wt% |
| Diameter | 5-10nm |
| Length | 100-400nm; 200-500nm |
| Crystallinity | ≥75% |
| Surface Functional Group Content | 0.5mmol/g |
| pH | 4-6 |
| Dispersion Medium | Deionized Water |
Product details
Product Appearance
Product Characterization
Recommended Application Areas
Structural Color Films；Photonic Crystals；Anti-Counterfeiting Applications；Sensing；Smart Packaging；Decorative Materials；Self-Assembly Research
Application Guidelines
Recommended Dosage
Structural color is primarily influenced by CNC concentration, film thickness, and drying conditions. Therefore, it is not recommended to define the formulation simply by a fixed “dosage.” Preliminary film-forming experiments can be conducted using a series of different CNC solid-content levels.
Addition Method
Apply a uniformly dispersed CNC suspension onto a clean substrate or mold by drop-casting, blade coating, or solution casting. Evaporation-induced self-assembly can then be used to form structural color films.
Dispersion Method
Gently shake or stir the CNC dispersion before use. If noticeable aggregation is present, moderate ultrasonication can be applied to improve dispersion.
Precautions
Structural color is sensitive to various parameters, including CNC concentration, ionic strength, pH, film thickness, substrate properties, temperature and humidity, and drying rate. These parameters should therefore be carefully controlled during experiments.
Recommended Preliminary Trial
For initial screening, it is recommended to establish a three-factor experimental matrix based on CNC concentration × wet film thickness × drying rate, and record the resulting reflected color and color uniformity for comparison.
Packaging and Transportation
Available in gram-scale samples, kilogram-scale trial quantities, and bulk orders of one metric ton or more, meeting procurement needs at different stages, including research and testing, pilot-scale validation, and industrial-scale applications.
Samples are supplied in sealed packaging and are preferably shipped via international express delivery. Please contact our customer service team for an international shipping quotation when placing an order.
For kilogram-scale and larger quantities, packaging options such as drums, large drums, or IBC totes are selected according to the product form and order volume, with an appropriate logistics and transportation method arranged accordingly.
FAQ
Q: Why can CNC form photonic crystal structural colors?
A: Under suitable conditions, CNC can form an ordered chiral nematic structure. Upon drying, this produces a periodic nanoscale structure that selectively reflects specific wavelengths of visible light, resulting in structural color.
Q: Why does the structural color of CNC vary from one experiment to another? What determines the final color?
A: The final color and reflected wavelength are influenced by multiple factors, including CNC concentration, particle size and surface charge, ionic environment, added components, wet film thickness, substrate properties, temperature, humidity, and drying rate. These parameters affect the resulting chiral nematic pitch and, consequently, the reflected wavelength.
Q: How can structural color CNC be used to form films?
A: A uniformly dispersed CNC suspension can be applied by drop-casting, solution casting, or blade coating onto a clean and level substrate or mold. Controlled evaporation is then used to induce self-assembly and form a structural color film.
Q: How can I improve the results if structural color does not develop or the film cracks?
A: First, keep the CNC batch and concentration consistent, then optimize the wet film thickness, ionic environment, and drying rate one parameter at a time. If cracking occurs, further evaluate the film thickness and drying-induced stress, and consider the appropriate use of plasticizers or other formulation modifiers.