Surface modification of cellulose nanocrystals with different acid anhydrides for improved dispersion in poly(butylene succinate).

Hydrophilic cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are typically poorly dispersed in non-polar polymer matrices and, hence, a method for the surface modification of CNC is developed for improving this dispersion. This method included an esterification reaction with acetic anhydride, butyric anhydride, and caproic anhydride. The particle size distribution (range of sizes: 80-310 nm) of CNC was determined.