title: Microstructure and rheology of microfibril-polymer networks.
abstract: By using an adsorbing polymer in combination with mechanical de-agglomeration, the microstructure and rheological properties of networks of microfibrils could be controlled. By the addition of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose during de-agglomeration of networks of bacterial cellulose, the microstructure could be changed from an inhomogeneous network with bundles of microfibrils and voids to a more homogeneous spread and alignment of the particles. As a result the macroscopic rheological properties were altered. Although still elastic and gel-like in nature, the elasticity and viscous behavior of the network as a function of microfibril concentration is altered. The microstructure is thus changed by changing the surface properties of the building blocks leading to a direct influence on the materials macroscopic behavior.
authors.affiliation: Unilever R&D Vlaardingen, Olivier van Noortlaan 120, 3133 AT Vlaardingen, The Netherlands. sandra.veen@unilever.com krassimir.velikov@unilever.com.
authors.forename: Sandra J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Veen
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Versluis
authors.forename: Anke
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kuijk
authors.forename: Krassimir P
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Velikov
mesh_terms: D000327:Adsorption; D020894:Microfibrils / Q000737:chemistry*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D012212:Rheology
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers