Rheological analysis of physical states of cellulose nanocrystal suspension and synergetic effect of aligned gel state

The viscoelastic behavior of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in highly concentrated suspension was studied using various rheological tools. As the concentration increased, the physical state of CNC suspension changed from an isotropic phase to an aligned gel state via a cholesteric phase. The physical network originating from hydrogen bond and van der Waals forces gave the suspension elastic and solid-like features. With large shear deformation, the CNC became aligned after network destruction. The aligned gel was not easily relaxed or destroyed by shear deformation or time. The aligned gel state of CNCs provides a better chance for a robust structure of films or composites.