Size distributions of cellulose nanocrystals in dispersions using the centrifugal sedimentation method

Nanocellulose is a remarkable biomaterial. It is a plastic alternative with significance from the viewpoint of carbon offset and neutrality. To efficiently develop nanocellulose-based functional materials, it is imperative to evaluate their dispersion states. In this study, the sedimentation equivalent diameter distributions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are analyzed by centrifugal sedimentation. The diameter distribution is well correlated with that estimated from the widths and the lengths of the CNCs obtained by transmission electron microscopy. Hence, centrifugal sedimentation has the potential to assess the dispersion states of nanocellulose on the nanometer scale and should contribute to basic research and applications.