Characterization of liquid marbles formed with hydrophobicized cellulose fine powder

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K05716
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 40020:Wood science-related
• Research Institution: Forest Research and Management Organization
• Principal Investigator: TOGAWA Eiji 国立研究開発法人森林研究・整備機構, 森林総合研究所, 主任研究員 (60343810)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: セルロース / 疎水化 / 液体ビー玉 / リキッドマーブル

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Micro water droplets of hydrophobic cellulose powder adsorbed on the surface are referred to as cellulose liquid marbles. The objective of this study was to elucidate the conditions for the formation of cellulose liquid marbles and to evaluate their properties. To this end, we clarified the factors controlling the formation of liquid marbles and characterized their properties. The results demonstrated that liquid marbles can be readily prepared irrespective of the source and size of the initial cellulose powders. Furthermore, the surface tension of internal (core) aqueous solution was found to exert a significant influence on the formation of liquid marbles. While liquid marbles can interact with each other without collapsing, it was observed that they can split and reunite. Additionally, the outer shell of cellulose powder and inner solution can be separated and reused, respectively, upon crushing under suitable conditions.

Free Research Field

木材化学成分の物理化学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本課題の遂行によってセルロースパウダーの簡便な疎水化法が確立できた。本課題で用いた気相法は、極少量の試薬でセルロースを疎水化できる。この手法は、処理後の洗浄を必要とせず、廃液を排出せず、さらにパウダーの凝固を発生させないなど多くの利点を兼ね備えている。また本研究の結果は、セルロース液体ビー玉の様々な機能化、たとえば、水溶液の貯蔵やその再利用、非汚染的な移動、高粘度液体への固体的ハンドリング性の付与、外部刺激応答センサーなどへの応用を示唆している。以上の成果は、これまで注目されてこなかった素材であるセルロースパウダーや木粉の新しい利用方法へ発展させられる。