Current activities in measuring size distributions of Cellulose Nanomaterials

Presented by Robert Moon and Linda Johnson

This webinar will present current activities in measuring particle size and size distributions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNF), highlighting the successes, failures, challenges, and future efforts that are needed for the development of standardized methods. 

Throughout the presentation the following topics will be highlighted:

• The outcomes of a recent inter-laboratory comparison (ILC) on CNC particle size measurements (first half by Linda Johnston)
• The difficulties of measuring CNF features (e.g., fibril width, branching) that could be used to define/describe CNFs as particles (second half by Robert Moon)
• Recent efforts by the ISO/TC 6/TG 1 – “Cellulosic nanomaterials” working group to provide a framework for the characterization of CNF morphology 

In addition, a survey has been developed to assess standardization needs and priorities for particle size measurements of cellulose micro/nanomaterials including CNF, CMF, MFC, and other fibrillar "nanocellulose" products. The results of the survey will be used to drive CNF/CMF standards development, similar to a 2018 survey by ISO/TC 6/TG 1 on general cellulose nanomaterial characterization requirements that was subsequently used to provide direction of current standards development for both CNCs and CNFs.