Physics Centre of Minho and Porto Universities (CF-UM-UP), Laboratory of Physics for Materials and Emergent Technologies (LaPMET), University of Minho, Campus of Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
Ana G. Azevedo
International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Av. Mte. José Veiga s/n, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal
Paulo F. Teixeira
Centre for Nanotechnology and Smart Materials (CeNTI), Rua Fernando Mesquita 2785, 4760-034 Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal
Célio B. P. Fernandes
Transport Phenomena Research Centre (CEFT), Faculty of Engineering at University of Porto (FEUP), Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
The aim of this article is to review the research conducted in the field of aqueous and polymer composites cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) gels. The experimental techniques employed to characterize the rheological behavior of these materials will be summarized, and the main advantages of using CNC gels will also be addressed in this review. In addition, research devoted to the use of numerical simulation methodologies to describe the production of CNC-based materials, e.g., in 3D printing, is also discussed. Finally, this paper also discusses the application of CNC gels along with additives such as cross-linking agents, which can represent an enormous opportunity to develop improved materials for manufacturing processes.
