Postnova: Fast Measurement of Nanocrystal Length & Thickness

Postnova Analytics reports on how Asymmetrical Flow Field Flow Fractionation coupled to Multi Angle Light Scattering (AF4-MALS) has been successfully used to characterise a polydisperse cellulose nanocrystal for size and thickness in just 40 minutes analysis time. 

Nanocrystals research has been an area of significant interest lately, due to a growing range of applications in advanced materials, biomedical, environmental, optical and semiconductor fields. Thorough size characterization of these nanocrystals is important since their rheological and control processing properties can be affected by their size, shape and surface area.

The authors of this new study propose AF4-MALS as an alternative to bulk characterization techniques such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The main advantages of AF4-MALS over the bulk characterization techniques are high resolution and fast analysis time. 

Due to attractive properties including low thermal expansion, optical transparency, renewability, biodegradability, low toxicity and low cost - Cellulose nanocrystals are used in a range of industrial applications. In this study a Cellulose nanocrystal sample, isolated from softwood sulphite pulp, was analysed by AF4-MALS to measure the length and thickness of the crystals as a function of size. The cellulose nanocrystal length distribution was found to be in a good agreement with the result of the AFM analysis. Cellulose nanocrystal Rh (obtained from AF4) and R.M.S radii (obtained from MALS) were used to calculate cellulose nanocrystal thickness. The Cellulose nanocrystal thickness profile showed a broad distribution suggesting aggregation of single crystals at the larger end of the distribution. 

To download a copy of this study please visit www.postnova.com/application-note/view/48.html. For further information on AF4-MALS equipment contact Postnova Analytics on +49-8191-985-6880 / +44-1885-475007 / +1-801-521-2004 / info@postnova.com. 

Founded in 1997, Postnova Analytics is the inventor and leading international supplier of Field-Flow Fractionation (FFF) systems for markets including biopharmaceuticals, polymers, materials, nanotechnology and environmental sciences. Leveraging its unique and patented modular FFF - Light Scattering Platform, Postnova has been able to provide high performance solutions to a wide range of applications. Today the company's growing product portfolio includes Flow FFF, Centrifugal FFF, Thermal FFF, Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC), MALS and DLS Light Scattering.  Postnova (www.postnova.com) is located and headquartered in Landsberg am Lech (Germany) and has subsidiaries in the USA, UK and Finland. These offices in conjunction with a highly qualified and trained distribution network provides informed local support to customers worldwide.

Worldwide HQ 

Postnova Analytics GmbH

Max-Planck-Straße 14
86899 Landsberg am Lech

Germany 

Tel: +49-8191-985-6880

Email: info@postnova.com 
Web www.postnova.com

 

UK

 

Postnova Analytics UK Ltd.

Unit 56, The Hop Store

Bishops Frome

WR6 5BT

UK

Tel: +44-1885-475007

Email: info.uk@postnova.com 
Web www.postnova.com

 

North America

 

Postnova Analytics Inc
230 South 500 East, S. #120
Salt Lake City, Utah 84102
USA

Tel: +1 801 521 2004

Email: info@postnova.com 
Web www.postnova.com