Interactions of a cationic cellulose derivative with an ultrathin cellulose support

► Adsorption of a cationic cellulose derivative is studied on hydrophilic substrates. ► On SiO2 substrates no adsorption is detected. ► On nanometric cellulose films, at pH 7 and 8 irreversible adsorption takes place. ► Adsorption is probably due to structural similarity rather than electrostatics.