Rapid cellulose nanomaterial characterisation by rheology

Abstract Cellulose nanomaterial (CNM) aspect ratio strongly influences sheet formation and resulting mechanical, optical, barrier properties. However, there is a lack of fast reliable methods for CNM determination, limiting the production nanocellulose at industrial-scale. Current laboratory approaches comprise microscopic (e.g. atomic force microscopy (AFM) transmission electron (TEM)), sedimentation methods, which are time-consuming limited to specific fibre sizes. Here, we describe new rheological method determine ratios whole size range cellulose fibres using rheology. nanocrystals (CNCs), nanofibres (CNFs), wood in form Bleached Eucalyptus Kraft (BEK) were investigated. The these three scales determined by measuring viscosity profiles their suspensions different concentrations from high low shear rates (2000–0.001 s −1 ), evaluating whether exhibited entangled or disentangled behaviour. results agreed well with those produced AFM methods. Furthermore, measurements generated 5 hours each feedstock, while required least 2 days produce same results. Ultimately, demonstrate that rheology rapid accurate sizes, critical step towards facilitating full-scale application.