Nanostructured composites from latex nanoparticles 

Latex nanoparticles with controllable physico-chemical properties, such as size, rigidity and surface functionality, have shown great promise in modifying and tailoring macroscopic properties of cellulosic nanomaterials. For instance, it has been found that cationic nanoparticles can stiffen or plasticize cellulose nanopapers depending on additive amount. The impact of nanoparticle shell functionality will be further investigated by synthesizing particles stabilized by anionic, zwitterionic and non-ionic shells. This project also aims to develop novel methods to characterize these types of hybrid nanomaterials, by utilizing, for example, small- and wide-angle x-ray scattering techniques.