Three-dimensional simulation on electric field assisted alignment of cellulose Nanofibrils in focusing flow

Abstract

Cellulose nanofibril behavior in the electric field-assisted flow-focusing channel was clarified by solving the equation of motion for individual fibrils in the flow to fabricate strong cellulose filaments. The electric field effectively improved the alignment of shorter fibrils, whereas longer fibrils were better aligned by the hydrodynamic effect. The overall alignment of fibrils with a length distribution was increased by aligning the shorter fibrils with the assistance of an electric field. The electric field plays a crucial role in aligning the fibrils in the flow-core region, where alignment by shear flow cannot be expected.