Nanocellulose fibers: A Review of Preparation Methods, Characterization Techniques, and Reinforcement Applications

Abstract

Cellulose, which occurs naturally in abundance, has the benefit of being the most widely used biomass material on a global scale. It is generated from natural fibers and can be processed to produce various types of nanocellulose fibers, each with its hierarchical configuration. This review summarizes current advances in the production of nanocellulose particles, focusing on the analytical techniques most widely used for their preparation, extraction, and characterization. These techniques include FT-IR, TGA, FESEM, and XRD. The review also demonstrates that research into nanocellulose fibers has progressed exponentially over the last decade (over 400 references). Many manufacturing techniques have been developed to use nanofibers in multiple applications as advanced sustainable materials. The presented data will reinforce the applications of nanocellulose fibers for various purposes.