Temperature-dependent phonon transport in nanocellulose materials

Nanocellulose-based foams can display super-insulating properties which is proposed to be controlled by interfacial phonons scattering. We propose to use inelastic neutron scattering to probe the phonon density of states (DOS) as a function of temperature and follow the phase transitions related to the hydrogen bonds. Combing the phonon DOS with simulations will help us decipher the dynamics within our samples and clarify the underlying mechanisms behind the phonon transport and the effect temperature has, aiding the future development of super insulating materials.