Nanocellulose is a safe, non-toxic biodegradable cellulose nanomaterial. Due to lightweight and mechanical strength, it has been considered as a reinforcing agent for biocomposites. It is also a liquid crystalline material able to self-assemble to form densely packed thin films. Thin films of nanocellulose is an effective barrier to oxygen and water vapor. Innotech Materials has developed an innovative technology of producing a hydrophobic nanocellulose using catalytic oxidation of cellulose derivatives. It is isolated as white powders, soluble to organic solvents such acetone and chloroform, and slowly melts at 200 °C to form pale yellow gels. Thin films prepared from solvent casting is hydrophobic and impervious to water. Thus, it would be a suitable replacement of plastics for zero waste, bioplastic packaging.
Hydrophobic Nanocellulose For Bioplastics
Hydrophobic, thermally stable nanocellulose designed for zero waste bioplastic packaging

Idea Title
Hydrophobic Nanocellulose for BioplasticsCompany / Organization Name
Innotech Materials has been founded 3 years and focused on development of nanocellulose technology.Website
www.innotechmaterials.comWhere are you / your team located?
Innotech Materials is located in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.How does this Idea redesign unrecyclable small format plastic items that often end up as waste?
Cellulose is a biodegradable material and thus we anticipate the hydrophobic cellulose nanomaterial is non-hazardous wastes to the environment.Which use cases does your Idea apply to?
Ideally it will apply to most cases. For liquid packaging of Case 1, it needs a long term study.In what geographical context or area does your Idea plan to operate / solve?
Around the world.How do you envision scaling up your Idea?
The manufacturing process of nanocellulose is energy-efficient and cost-effective, does not produce toxic by-products, and use water as a green solvent. It is ready to scale up for manufacturing. Our goal is to produce bioplastics using an injection molding process.At what stage of development is your Idea?
- Prototyping: You have conducted some small tests or experiments with prospective users and will continue developing idea through these tests.
- Piloting: You have started to implement your solution as a whole with a first set of real users. You may have started to develop a business model for your idea, including identifying key customer segments, relevant partnerships, go-to-market strategy, and draft financials.
0 comments
Join the conversation:
Comment