Chapter 5: CNP-based Hybrid Advanced Materials

This chapter provides an updated description of the state of the art of a promising and attractive research area dealing with the applications of a hydrophilic nanomaterial, cellulose nanoparticles, with hydrophobic polymer matrices to develop polymer nanohybrid composites. First, we highlight the main features of the theory beyond emulsion polymerization. The reader can find references in the text for deeper and more comprehensive information regarding this topic. Second, we discuss the three major approaches to the development of hybrid nanocomposites: (1) hybrids via miniemulsion polymerization, (2) hybrids via polycondensate prepared in miniemulsion, and (3) hybrids from seeded emulsion polymerization. The advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are also indicated mainly according to their scalability. Finally, a complete summary of the applications, reactions, and conditions of cellulose nanoparticles for producing hybrids is presented.