Structure and properties of the cellulose microfibril

• DOI: 10.1007/s10086-009-1029-1
• Publication Date: 2009-06-10T13:30:09Z
• Authors: Yoshiharu Nishiyama
• Keywords: 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology

The current structural models of the cellulose microfibril as well as its mechanical and thermal properties are reviewed. The cellulose microfibril can be considered as a single thin and long crystalline entity with highly anisotropic physical properties. The contribution and limit of different methods employed such as electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray scattering and diffraction, solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and molecular modeling are also discussed.