The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) was employed as a reinforcing agent to enhance the rheological and mechanical properties of biopolymer systems. Natural polymers such as carboxymethyl cellulose, alginate, pectin, and gelatin were reinforced with CNF at varying concentrations to obtain tailored viscoelastic characteristics. Due to its nanoscale network structure and high elastic modulus, CNF significantly improved the durability, structural integrity, and shear-responsive behavior of the formulations. Rheological properties were assessed through modulus measurements and shear-thinning analysis. In addition, tensile strength, water uptake, and swelling behavior were also evaluated to investigate mechanical robustness and moisture retention performance. These findings provide the understanding of designing polymer structure-property relationships in CNF-reinforced hydrogels and development of natural polymer composites for potential biomedical applications.