This project explored how moisture governs the structural and dynamical behaviour of nanocellulose, a promising biobased material with the potential to replace fossil-derived products. Using a combination of neutron and X-ray scattering techniques, the research examined how water interacts with cellulose across different hierarchical length scales and how these interactions influence material performance.
Inelastic and quasielastic neutron scattering were used to map the vibrational spectra and hydration-dependent molecular motions of cellulose, revealing how moisture affects both localized hydrogen dynamics and overall chain mobility. Small-angle neutron scattering and wide-angle X-ray scattering were combined to track structural changes such as particle spacing, crystallinity, and nanoscale swelling. Advanced imaging methods, including multidirectional neutron dark-field tomography, provided complementary 3D insights into the organisation of nanocellulose foams and enabled non-destructive assessment of hierarchical alignment.
The work demonstrated that integrating neutron and X-ray techniques offers a powerful route to understanding moisture-driven transformations in nanocellulose. These insights support the development of more robust, high-performance cellulose-based materials for sustainable applications.