Rheological Properties of Nanocellulose Dispersions in the Dilute Region: Current Understanding and Future Perspectives

Abstract

The current knowledge and prospects for rheological properties of nanocellulose dispersions in a dilute region are presented. It is essential to clarify the rheological properties of dilute nanocellulose dispersions because they represent the properties of nanocellulose. This study highlights intrinsic viscosity and viscoelastic relaxation, which are indicators of average size, size distribution, and flexibility. While the intrinsic viscosity and viscoelastic relaxation of rod-shaped cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) can be explained by existing theories of polymers, those of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are not fully understood because of their kinks and flexibility.