Orientation of short microcrystalline cellulose fibers in a gelatin matrix

A composite filler was developed using a gelatin matrix that suspended fibers of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Structural properties of the material were evaluated with small-deformation dynamic oscillation on shear. The experimental routine achieved orientation of the MCC fibers, which led to an increase in network strength, as compared to mixtures with unoriented fibers. Enhanced mechanical properties were modeled with a mathematical expression that argued for an array of fiber orientations ranging from transversely isotropic to orthotropic systems. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ltd.