Nano cellulose crystallites: optical, photonic and electro-magnetic properties

Nano cellulose crystallites (NCC) are nano tubes, about 200 nm long and 10 rim in diameter. This is a natural product, found in trees. With unmodified NCCs, optical properties like iridescence and polarization were found either in aqueous suspension or in a dry state. To better understand and exploit the optical properties of NCCs, a mathematical model to describe the nano-crystalline cellulose NCC is presented. We use a periodic potential and allow the electrons to interact with each other by a weak coulombian potential. Thus, our model of the NCC is a finite cylinder; r and L are respectively, its radius and length. The carbon atoms are on the surface of the cylinder. They are arranged periodically. The model represents correctly the NCCs and is therefore fit for exploitation in the field of wood-based nano devices.