Hydrophobic nanocellulose for biocompatible adhesive applications
Innotech Materials presents a novel hydrophobic nanocellulose platform, enhanced with fatty acids, designed for biocompatible adhesive applications on hydrophobic surfaces like ABS and natural nails. This material offers transparency, flexibility, and superior adhesion.
Overview
Innotech Materials has developed an innovative hydrophobic nanocellulose platform aimed at creating biocompatible adhesives for challenging hydrophobic surfaces such as ABS plastic and natural nail keratin. Utilizing a unique catalytic process, this technology incorporates fatty acids into the nanocellulose structure, significantly enhancing its hydrophobic properties. The resulting material is transparent, flexible, thermally stable, and mechanically strong, making it suitable for various adhesive applications while remaining safe, non-toxic, and biodegradable.
Technical specifications
- Hydrophobic Enhancement: Integration of fatty acids increases the water contact angle from 77° to 140°, indicating superior hydrophobicity.
- Mechanical Strength: Ethyl nanocellulose exhibits a mechanical strength between 1200–1300 MPa.
- Adhesive Performance: Improved adhesion on ABS substrates, demonstrated by successful tape peel-off tests with MEC_Y1000 formulations.
- Self-Assembly Capabilities: As a liquid crystalline material, nanocellulose forms densely packed thin films, enhancing its application versatility.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 5, the technology has been validated in a laboratory setting with proof-of-concept experiments planned to further optimize formulations and adhesion performance. The development team is seeking strategic partnerships for manufacturing and further testing to advance to higher TRL stages.
About Innotech Materials, LLC
Innotech Materials, LLC is a startup company specializing in the development and production of functional nanocellulose and cellulosic nanomaterials. The company focuses on advancing sustainable technology by creating materials with tailored solubility and chemical properties for diverse industrial applications. Its technology platform includes various forms of modified nanocellulose, such as carboxy methyl nanocellulose, ethyl nanocellulose, and methyl nanocellulose, which are engineered to exhibit specific characteristics like hydrophobicity or amphiphilicity. By manipulating these properties, the company produces solutions that serve as functional ingredients in high-performance materials and complex chemical formulations.
These advanced materials are primarily targeted toward applications in sectors such as biosurfactants, bioplastics, pharmaceutical coatings, and agriculture. For example, the company has developed nanocellulose-based complexes for use as water-soluble, controlled-release fertilizers and soil conditioners that improve nutrient supply and soil moisture retention. These products are designed to offer environmental benefits while providing functional performance improvements in industrial manufacturing and material technologies. The company operates as a startup and engages in collaborative innovation to integrate its materials into commercial products.
delivered to your inbox.