Hydrothermal treatments of aqueous cellulose nanocrystal suspensions: effects on structure and surface charge content

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are ideal rheological modifiers for aqueous oil and gas extraction fluids. CNCs are typically produced with sulfuric acid and their aqueous suspensions have uniform and predictable properties under ambient conditions; however, drastic changes occur at elevated temperatures. Herein, the effects of high temperature treatments (ranging from 80 to 180 °C for 1 h to 7 days) on the properties (including uniformity, …