Simplification of gel point characterization of cellulose nano and microfiber suspensions

Abstract Nanocellulose is an emerging material that needs to be well characterized control its performance during industrial applications. Gel point (Ø g ) a convenient parameter commonly used estimate the aspect ratio (AR) of cellulose nano/microfibers (CNFs/CMFs), providing critical information on nanofiber network. However, estimation requires many sedimentation experiments, tedious and time consuming. In this study, simpler faster technique presented Ø , based one or two reducing experiments by factor at least 2.5. Here, new methodology successfully validated using different CNF/CMF hydrogels calculated with traditional methodology, showing error lower than 7%. The in AR 3% all cases. Furthermore, mathematical models currently smoothing spline quadratic fit, are compared assumptions improved. Graphical abstract