Nanocellulose/surfactant composite

Abstract

The present invention provides nanocellulose/surfactant composites having excellent redispersibility in water and related compositions and methods, including methods for producing the composites. Included is a nanocellulose/surfactant composite containing a nanocellulose and a surfactant, the nanocellulose/surfactant composite having a moisture content of lower than 10%, the surfactant including an ionic surfactant having a weight average molecular weight of 3000 or more.

1 . A nanocellulose/surfactant composite, comprising a nanocellulose and a surfactant,
 the nanocellulose/surfactant composite having a moisture content of lower than 10%,   the surfactant comprising an ionic surfactant having a weight average molecular weight of 3000 or more.   
     
     
         2 . The nanocellulose/surfactant composite according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the nanocellulose comprises at least one of a microfibrillated cellulose or a cellulose nanocrystal.   
     
     
         3 . The nanocellulose/surfactant composite according to  claim 2 ,
 wherein the microfibrillated cellulose has an average fiber diameter of 2 to 50 nm, an average fiber length of 10 μm or less, and a degree of crystallinity of 60 to 90%.   
     
     
         4 . The nanocellulose/surfactant composite according to  claim 2 ,
 wherein the cellulose nanocrystal has an average fiber diameter of 2 to 50 nm, an average fiber length of 500 nm or less, and a degree of crystallinity of 70% or more.   
     
     
         5 . A method for producing the nanocellulose/surfactant composite according to  claim 1 , the method comprising steps of:
 mixing the ionic surfactant with a dispersion of the nanocellulose to prepare a liquid mixture, and   drying the liquid mixture.   
     
     
         6 . A rubber composition, comprising the nanocellulose/surfactant composite according to  claim 1 .