Studying self-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals with harmonic light scattering

The aim of this project is to study the self-assembly and phase behavior of liquid crystalline cellulose mesophases with advanced light scattering techniques. These techniques use harmonic light scattering, whereby very intense laser light generates so-called harmonics. For example, laser light of 900 nm will generate new wavelengths at 450 nm (second harmonic) and 300 nm (third harmonic). These harmonics enable us to characterize the local organization of the liquid crystalline mesophases, while the mechanism of the self-assembly process can be studied through time-resolved measurements. In this way we can map the local organization and optical properties in function of different process parameters, and guide the self-assembly process towards phases with desired properties. Other classical techniques based on Xray diffraction, spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering will be used as well.