Cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), hydrophilic natural nanomaterials, are widely used to reinforce
the stiffness of hydrogels, which have wet properties similar to those of human tissues.
Interactions between the nanofibers and polymer matrix play an important role in reinforcing
hydrogels. Here, we used a CNF cake as a reactor to modify the surface of CNFs, which was
based on the principle of a plug flow reactor (PFR), excepting to enhance interfacial
interactions. As a result, the degree of substitution of maleic acid monoester-modified CNFs …