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Cellulose‐Based Biomimetics and Their Applications
Author(s) -
Almeida Ana P. C.,
Canejo João P.,
Fernandes Susete N.,
Echeverria Coro,
Almeida Pedro L.,
Godinho Maria H.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201703655
Subject(s) - cellulose , materials science , biomimetics , polymer science , cellulose fiber , nanotechnology , natural materials , cellulosic ethanol , structural coloration , composite material , chemical engineering , fiber , engineering , optoelectronics , photonic crystal
Abstract Nature has been producing cellulose since long before man walked the surface of the earth. Millions of years of natural design and testing have resulted in cellulose‐based structures that are an inspiration for the production of synthetic materials based on cellulose with properties that can mimic natural designs, functions, and properties. Here, five sections describe cellulose‐based materials with characteristics that are inspired by gratings that exist on the petals of the plants, structurally colored materials, helical filaments produced by plants, water‐responsive materials in plants, and environmental stimuli‐responsive tissues found in insects and plants. The synthetic cellulose‐based materials described herein are in the form of fibers and films. Fascinating multifunctional materials are prepared from cellulose‐based liquid crystals and from composite cellulosic materials that combine functionality with structural performance. Future and recent applications are outlined.