The structure and mechanics of nanofibrillar cellulose foams

Abstract

Crystalline nanofibrillar cellulose has remarkable mechanical properties: a Young's modulus of about 130 GPa and a tensile strength in the range of 750–1000 MPa. Recently, there has been increasing interest in exploiting these exceptional properties in engineering composites and foams. Here, we compare measurements of the mechanical properties of nanofibrillar cellulose composites and foams with their potential properties based on models for composites and foams. We find that current NFC foams do not yet reach their potential and suggest modifications to their microstructure for improved mechanical performance.