When working with microfibrillated cellulose, size is more than a measurement. It influences how the material flows, how it responds during processing, and ultimately how it performs in the products made from it. Understanding these structure-property relationships is an important step towards designing cellulose materials that can be tailored for different applications rather than treated as a single, uniform material.
This was the focus of Anusha Bhat’s presentation at Nordic Polymer Days 2026, where researchers from across academia, research institutes and industry gathered to discuss the latest developments in polymer science and sustainable materials.
Looking beyond the average
In her presentation, Influence of Size Polydispersity on the Yield Stress Behaviour of Microfibrillated Cellulose Suspensions, Anusha examined how differences in fibre size distribution influence the rheological behaviour of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC).
The work explores how fibre size characteristics influence the rheological behaviour of MFC suspensions. Since rheological properties govern how cellulose suspensions flow and respond during processing, they are relevant for applications ranging from coatings and packaging to composites and textile-related materials.
Conducted at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland in collaboration with Stockholm University, the research forms part of Bio-LUSH’s work to better understand cellulose materials and their processing.
Questions that continued after the presentation
The session brought together around 20 to 30 participants working in polymers, cellulose science and sustainable materials.
Much of the discussion focused on methodology rather than outcomes alone. Participants were curious about the experimental approach used to investigate MFC size characteristics and rheological behaviour. The conversations also extended to how tailored MFC formulations could support different processing routes and future fibre production. While no formal collaborations emerged during the conference, the discussions led to new professional contacts and exchanges with researchers working on related challenges.
